Language

Official Languages

English and Maori are the official languages of New Zealand. Maori became an official language in 1987.

In early 2006, New Zealand became the first country to declare sign language as an official language.

Maori Language

New Zealand is the only country in the world where Maori is spoken. Despite its official status, the language continues to struggle against being lost.

In the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, Queen Victoria gave her word to the Maori that their language would be protected. however, it was only in recent years that the Maori language gathered its widespread support. Currently the Maori language is used in the media and in schools.

In the 1940's when Maori people moved out of rural areas and into the cities the Maori language began to decline and children were raised in English rather than Maori. By the 1970's, the Maori language was close to extinction and therefore an effort was made to include the native language into the media and school curriculums.

A recent survey by the New Zealand government shows about 130,000 people speak some Maori in New Zealand.

Kiwi Slang

Barbie- Barbeque

Bro- Friend, Brother

Bush- Forest of native trees and plants

Cuz- Friend, Cousin

Down Under- Australia, New Zealand

Feed- A Meal

Footy- Rugby

Gidday- Hello, Good day

Good as Gold- Affirmative, approval of quality

Haere Mai- Come here (Maori language)

Handle- Pint of beer

Heaps- A lot

Hows it going mate?- Greeting, how are you?

Jumper- Sweatshirt

Knackerd- Exhuasted

Kumera- Sweet Potato

Loo- Toilet

Mozzie- Mosquito

No Sweat- No problem

OE- Overseas experience, long term holiday

Op Shop- Second hand shop

Pouring down- Heavy rain

Ripped off- Payed too much

She'll be right- Everythign will be fine

Spud- Potato

Sweet As- Very good

Ta- Thanks

Tea- Dinner, evening meal

Togs- Swimwear

Wops- Rural area

Whanau- Family

Tui

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