Share your mihi
Learning a language is about starting out small and making that first step: no one will be an expert in a day or even a week. Learn how to introduce yourself in te reo Māori by saying your name, where your ancestors come from - if you want to or can - and where you live.
Learn your mihi
We have 3 easy steps to help you so that you can let people know:
Step 1: Your name
My name is ____
Ko ____ tōku ingoa
EX
Tip: You can use your first name only or your full name. It's up to you!
Step 2: Where your ancestors come from (if you know)
My ancestors are from ____
Nō ____ ōku tīpuna
EX
Tip:Tīpuna (ancestors) is eastern dialect and tūpuna (ancestors) is western dialect. Kei a koe te whiringa - it's up to you which one you use. If you are from overseas try to find the Māori name for your country
here.
If you want to say more than one place name just add 'me' ('and') right before the final place name. I.e. Nō
____ me
___ ōku tīpuna (2 places) or Nō
___ ,
____ me
____ ōku tīpuna (3+). See Sonny use 'me' in the
how-to video.
Step 3: Where you live now
I live in ____
Kei te noho au ki ____
EX
Tip: Research and find the Māori place name for your town or city. It's important to know our history. You can search for Māori place names using
Māori Dictionary.
And don't forget the macrons - they can change the meaning of a word!
It's your turn, share your mihi
Take part