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ITIAN Knowledge HubLearn Māori Short Course • Version 2

Everyday te reo Māori • Beginner lesson

Real-Life Beginner ConversationsHe Kōrero Māmā

Use the reo you already know when meeting someone, visiting a café or shop, asking for help and saying goodbye.

Tīmata — Start the Lesson Explore Conversations

Whāinga AkoWhat you will be able to do

  • Greet someone politely.
  • Introduce yourself.
  • Tell someone where you are from.
  • Explain that you are learning te reo Māori.
  • Finish a conversation politely.
💡 Ian’s TipYou do not need a large vocabulary to begin. A warm greeting, careful listening and a few well-practised phrases can create a real connection.

Five Real-Life Conversations

Select Listen beside each Māori sentence. Read the English meaning underneath, then practise both parts aloud.

1. Meeting Someone

Introduction
A
Kia ora. Ko wai tō ingoa?Hello. What is your name?
B
Ko Ian tōku ingoa. Ko wai tō ingoa?My name is Ian. What is your name?
A
Ko Mere tōku ingoa. Nō hea koe?My name is Mere. Where are you from?
B
Nō Hokianga ahau. He iti noa taku mōhio ki te reo Māori.I am from Hokianga. I only know a little te reo Māori.
A
Ka pai!That is great!

2. At a Café

Ordering
A
Kia ora. He aha māu?Hello. What would you like?
B
He kawhe māku, tēnā koa.A coffee for me, please.
A
He aha atu?Anything else?
B
Kāo, heoi anō. Ngā mihi.No, that is all. Thank you.
💡 Ian’s TipPractise one café sentence until it feels comfortable. Using one sentence confidently is better than rushing through five.

3. In a Shop

Price
A
Aroha mai. E hia te utu o tēnei?Excuse me. How much does this cost?
B
Tekau tāra.Ten dollars.
A
Ka pai. Ngā mihi.Good. Thank you.

4. Asking for Help

Directions
A
Aroha mai. Ka taea e koe te āwhina i ahau?Excuse me. Can you help me?
B
Āe.Yes.
A
Kei hea te wharepaku?Where is the toilet?
B
Kei te taha o te tatau.It is beside the door.
A
Ngā mihi mō tō āwhina.Thank you for your help.

5. Saying Goodbye

Farewell
A
Ngā mihi mō te kōrero.Thank you for the conversation.
B
Ka kite anō.See you again.
A
Haere rā.Goodbye to you, the person leaving.
B
E noho rā.Goodbye to you, the person staying.

Interactive Introduction Builder

Enter your own details. The activity creates a short practice script on your device. Nothing is sent anywhere.

Your practice script will appear here.
💡 Ian’s TipUse details that are truthful and comfortable to share. You may practise with invented details if you prefer privacy.

Quick Practice Challenges

Open each challenge, speak your answer aloud, then reveal the suggested wording.

Challenge 1: Meet someone

Greet the person, say your name and ask their name.

Kia ora. Ko [name] tōku ingoa. Ko wai tō ingoa?

Challenge 2: Order a drink

Politely ask for a coffee.

He kawhe māku, tēnā koa.

Challenge 3: Ask the price

Ask how much something costs.

E hia te utu o tēnei?

Challenge 4: Ask for help

Ask someone if they can help you.

Ka taea e koe te āwhina i ahau?

⭐ Confidence Builder

Confidence grows through small, repeated attempts—not through waiting until every sentence is perfect.

1

Start small

Choose one greeting and one introduction sentence.

2

Speak slowly

Clear and respectful is more important than fast.

3

Welcome correction

Say thank you, listen again and try once more.

Practice progress0%

Tikanga and Respectful Learning

Te reo Māori is a taonga. Learn with humility, care and respect for the people and places connected to the reo.

Names and macrons matter

Listen carefully, use macrons and welcome correction.

Follow mana whenua

Reo can vary between iwi and rohe. Follow local speakers and mana whenua guidance.

Share only what is yours

Do not claim whakapapa or copy a pepeha that is not yours. Keep your introduction truthful.

💡 Ian’s TipEvery respectful attempt is progress. The goal is connection and continued learning, not performance.

Continue Your Short Course

ITIAN Knowledge Hub • NZTHRILLVIBESLearn Māori Short Course — Real-Life Beginner Conversations • Version 2