Paewhiri

Are you 'slanging your te reo Māori?' and what does that even mean? Our hosts talk about the many proverbial sayings and turns of phrases in the Māori language, that reference love, inspiration and even a bit of crassness.

In the Māori language, Kupu mino is a term for borrowed words think tiakarete for chocolate, mihini for machine or piiki for big. These words are arguably used in everyday te reo Māori conversations. In this episode the Paewhiri hosts talk about kupu mino or kupu whakawhiti, and it's not just words that sound familliar, many waiata compositions are based on familiar tunes, like Tuini Ngawai's waiata 'E te Hokowhitu a Tu' written to the tune of Glenn Miller's 'In The Mood'

Te reo Māori banter is a sure way to get the arero reo flowing, to celebrate Mahuru Māori the Paewhiri hosts come up with a couple of whanau scenarios to Whakamāori on the fly. So, what is it that Matua Te Kehukehu will never do?

The Pae Tapu is the oratory bench at the marae where the speakers sit and stand to deliver their whaikōrero. As kaumatua pass away and speakers at marae dwindle, the practise of Pae Nekeneke is where the hapū of closely connected marae help eachother out with the speaking rites. In today's episode the panel discuss this expression of manaakitanga at some marae in Tauranga Moana.

The Marae is described as the bastion of Māori culture, where tikanga and kawa is observed. But there have been many changes and adaptations over the years, evident in the lock down periods during kōwheori. This week the panel talk about the various kaupapa held at marae, and if you are yet to visit one, the panel share a few tips on general marae decorum.

Taa Moko can be viewed as a very personal and individual undertaking and for many it is, but what about when you receive moko in front of your friends, whānau and students? It's a year on since Ngairo Eruera received his Mataora at the University of Waikato campus in Tauranga. Justine Murray and Te Kehukehu Patara recorded the show on that day back in 2024, this episode is a mix of highlights and reflections.

The first coronation of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po was held recently at Turangawaewae marae, hundreds gathered to commemorate the occasion. Our panel reflect on the history of the Kiingitanga and insights into the koroneihana.

Learning the Māori language is like riding a horse, slow and steady at first and then the pace gradually picks up. Our Paewhiri hosts discuss the myriad of ways where you can start your reo Māori haerenga, and why you should embrace the hapa!

Kia kaha te reo Māori! It's 50 years since the official launch of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. As we celebrate Māori language week, the paewhiri hosts also chat about the recent news to remove kupu Māori from an early reading children's book.

Graham Hoete (aka Mr G) is constantly honing his craft as a multi-disciplined artist, but some of that steely focus has shifted to learning te reo Māori. This year he enrolled in Te Tohu Paetahi, alongside his kaiako Ngairo Eruera he talks about whakamā, overcoming that harsh inner voice, and what inspires him.