NCEA Level 3 Cook Islands Māori flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Kia orāna

A common Cook Islands Māori greeting meaning 'hello' or 'welcome'; used formally and informally, often accompanied by a handshake or embrace.

Te

The singular definite article in Cook Islands Māori, equivalent to 'the' in English; it precedes singular nouns and can contract before proper nouns.

Ngā

The plural definite article in Cook Islands Māori, equivalent to 'the' for plural nouns; it precedes plural nouns, e.g., 'ngā tamariki' (the children).

Tātou

First-person plural inclusive pronoun meaning 'we' (including the person addressed); contrasts with 'mātou' (we, excluding the listener).

Mātou

First-person plural exclusive pronoun meaning 'we' (excluding the person addressed); contrasts with 'tātou' (we, including the listener).

Kua

Tense/aspect marker indicating perfect or past action, often translated as 'has/have' or simple past; e.g., 'Kua kai' (has eaten).

Ka

Tense/aspect marker indicating future or intended action, often translated as 'will' or 'shall'; e.g., 'Ka haere' (will go).

Kāre

Negative marker meaning 'not' or 'no'; used in existential negation and often followed by 'i' for past negation, e.g., 'Kāre i haere' (did not go).

Ariki

A high chief in Cook Islands Māori society, holding the highest hereditary title and authority within a tribe or district.

Mataiapo

A sub-chief or lesser chief in Cook Islands Māori society, ranking below an ariki and often responsible for specific land or community duties.

Tīvaevae

A traditional Cook Islands quilted bedcover made by women, often given as a treasured gift at weddings and funerals; a valued cultural item.

Ei

A garland worn around the head or neck, made of flowers, shells, or feathers; used in welcome, celebration, and dance performances.

Umu

A traditional earth oven in Cook Islands Māori culture, used for cooking food such as taro, kūmara, and fish with heated stones.

Kapa

A traditional Cook Islands Māori dance, often performed in groups with rhythmic movement and accompanied by drums and chanting.

Peu

Customs, traditions, or cultural practices in Cook Islands Māori society; the term encompasses protocols, values, and customary behaviours.

Marae

A communal gathering place in Cook Islands Māori culture, used for meetings, ceremonies, and social events; a focal point of community life.

Putātara

A conch shell trumpet used in Cook Islands Māori culture to call people together or signal important events; a traditional musical instrument.

Rukau

Cook Islands Māori term for taro leaves, a staple food often cooked in an umu or with coconut cream; an important traditional dish.

Kūmara

Sweet potato, a staple crop in the Cook Islands; a key food item in traditional cooking and diet.

Ika

Fish, a major food source in the Cook Islands; also used in broader contexts to refer to marine life.

Tāmata

A person or people in Cook Islands Māori; often used to refer to individuals or groups in a community context.

Tangata

People or persons in Cook Islands Māori; a collective term for human beings or a group of individuals.

Koutu

A sacred meeting ground or chiefly seat in Cook Islands Māori culture, often associated with important ceremonies and tribal gatherings.

Pā

A walled enclosure or fortification in traditional Cook Islands Māori society; also refers to a wall or barrier.

Tini

A slit drum used in Cook Islands Māori music and dance; a traditional percussion instrument made from a hollowed log.

Ūtē

A traditional chant or song in Cook Islands Māori culture, often performed without instrumental accompaniment and used in ceremonies.

Ei katu

A head garland made of flowers or leaves, worn in Cook Islands Māori culture for decoration and cultural ceremonies.

Taku

First-person singular possessive pronoun meaning 'my' when the possessed item is dominant (e.g., a person or movable property); contrasts with 'tōku'.

Tōku

First-person singular possessive pronoun meaning 'my' when the possessed item is subordinate (e.g., land, shelter, or inalienable possession); contrasts with 'taku'.

E kore

Future negative marker meaning 'will not' or 'shall not'; used to negate future actions or events in Cook Islands Māori.

Kia orāna

A greeting used in Cook Islands Māori, meaning 'hello' or 'welcome'; appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Meitaki

A term meaning 'thank you' or 'good' in Cook Islands Māori; used as a closing thanks in correspondence and speeches.