Introduction

When Māori speakers leave their homes they are instantly surrounded by a sea of English language signage. This can send the message that Māori is not welcome as a language or even that Māori are not welcomed as Māori. By using Māori language signs the status of the language is promoted and it is seen as valued, along with its associated culture.  Using Māori language or bilingual signs is something all organisations can do to promote revitalisation.

This signage list helps make te reo Māori language signage easy to do.

The words on the right can be used to translate the exact phrases on the left. It is not necessary to consult about the use of these translations on signs. Alternatives in te reo Māori are indicated by a forward slash /. Do not attempt to combine translations other than where provision is made to insert a word. Seek advice if you need to do this or are translating words other than the exact English words used here.  Capitalisation follows the English capitalisation used and is illustrated in the list. If you change capitalisation in the English, change it also in the Māori – but be sure you change the equivalent word. Māori word order is not the same as English and in some cases the translation translates the concept not the words.

Tohutō or macrons (the little line above some letters) show that the vowel is pronounced as long. It also indicates where the stress on a word is. The placement of tohutō can change the meaning of words: pāhī means ‘to strike’; pahi means ‘bus’ and a pahī is a ship.

This list will be maintained by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori. Suggest additions or give feedback to comms@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz