Glossary of Maori Kupu (Words)

Glossary of Maori kupu (words)

waka canoe, boat

ama outrigger

hoe paddle, blade

hoe runga paddle up (hold the paddle above your head)

hoe rere paddle in start position, ready to go

hoe start paddling (similar to: ready, steady, go)

karakia prayer (We say prayer before and after paddling to show our respect, honouring the elemental

forces, life energies and all that is, asking for support and guidance.)

kia ora welcome, thank you, be well

panui announcement, advertisment, race pack

tikanga custom, etiquette, protocoll, rule

hongi perceive with your nose (smell, sniff, breathing through the nose)

After paddling we thank each other and acknowledge a safe return by sharing our breath with

each other. The hongi is a traditional Maori way of greeting and connecting with each other -