Ko Au

Tikanga

The term "whānau" (family) means more than mother, father, children. It is wider and more inclusive than the nuclear family. Our "tūpuna" (ancestors) are really important in Māori culture. We honour them and recognise the value of the knowledge and aroha they’ve handed down to us.

Language Focus

You will learn how to specify who someone is and what their relationship is to you (or someone else). You will also learn how to ask the question ‘Ko wai’ (Who). Notice too the pronouns ‘au’ (I) and ‘ia (s/he).

Language Focus

The most important language feature in this animation is the use of the prefix ‘kai-‘(meaning ‘someone who does something’, for example, ’kaiako’ meaning someone who teaches; and ‘kaihoko’ meaning someone who buys/sells).

Notice the singular possessive pronoun ‘tana’ (his/her).

Note too the descriptive sentence starter ‘He’ (A), for example, He kaiako ia. (S/he is a teacher).

Tikanga

In Māori culture, it is more appropriate to ask someone where they’re from than it is to ask about their job, for example. People’s connectedness to a place is very important.

Language Focus

You will learn how to ask about where someone comes from, for example, ‘Nō hea ia?’ (Where is s/he from?)

You will also learn how to respond when asked that question, for example, ‘Nō Hāmoa ia’ (S/he’s from Samoa).