Kia ora is used as an informal greeting throughout New Zealand. You will hear everyone from the Prime Minister to the local shopkeeper using it in day-to-day conversation. Use kia ora to wish someone well as a greeting or farewell, to say thank you, to affirm support, or to say a friendly 'cheers'.
The 'Hongi' is a traditional Maori greeting in New Zealand used by the Maori people. To hongi you press your nose and forehead together with the nose and forehead of the person you are greeting.
Kia ora can be used to say hello, express gratitude, send love and make a connection. Kia ora is a warm and welcoming greeting you'll hear throughout New Zealand and comes from the indigenous Māori language.
Kia ora kōrua - Hello to two people. Kia ora tātou/kia ora koutou - Hello everyone. Tēnā koutou - Greetings to you (said to three or more people)
As well as being used as a greeting, kia ora is also a general expression of appreciation. Tēnā koe (to one person), tēnā kōrua (to two people), or tēnā koutou (to three or more people) also means thank you in Māori.
Kia Ora is a greeting many people outside of New Zealand are familiar with. It can mean a lot of things, too! Kiwis use it to say hello, good morning, good luck, and take care.
KIWI SLANG
Get familiar with some of the most common phrases before you travel: Chilly bin – the Kiwi word for Esky.
Although the term "bogan" is understood across Australia and New Zealand, certain regions have their own slang terms for the same group of people. These terms include: "Bevan" or "Bev" in Queensland. "Booner" in Canberra.
10. 'Yeah Nah' This is a true-blue Kiwi phrase. 'Yeah nah' is simply being indecisive, but usually meaning 'no'.
Like in Britain, it is sometimes also used as a goodbye phrase. Depending on the region you are in, more commonly in the North Island, you may hear “chur, bro,” which means “cheers, bro.” Example sentences: “Here's to good food and good company, Cheers!”
use the phrases kia ora – hello, ata mārie – good morning, ka kite anō – see you again, and say them in the correct context.
FAQ Questions About All Things Kiwi
It absolutely is ok to call a New Zealander a Kiwi. Though in some countries a nickname like this would be considered offensive, it is anything but in New Zealand. So go ahead and call us Kiwis!
Cuz or cuzzie is short for cousin and is used in a similar way to bro or as an alternative.
Friendly and Welcoming People
Kiwis are generally friendly people, with a laidback and positive attitude towards life.
McDonald's Restaurants (New Zealand) Limited (also using the trading name "Macca's") is the New Zealand subsidiary of the international fast food restaurant chain McDonald's.
Dunny, a colloquial word for a toilet, is one of them.
Here in New Zealand, a biscuit is a cookie.
Jandals: The Aussies call these thongs, which are underwear in NZ. Vivid: Nuh-uh, it's a permanent marker. Weed-eater: Of all things, they call this a whipper snipper.
Chur. The meaning of chur is essentially thank you. You can use this classic Kiwi slang to show gratitude or appreciation.
"Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi" is a cheer or chant often performed at Australian sport events. It is a variation of the Oggy Oggy Oggy chant used by both soccer and rugby union fans in Great Britain from the 1960s onwards. It is usually performed by a crowd uniting to support a sports team or athlete.
The middle finger emoji represents the physical act of raising one's middle finger—considered an obscene gesture in many cultures—and is used for offensive or humorous effect.
Kia ora – hello, goodbye, thank you.
Tai-ho or tie-ho = Wait, hang on a minute (from Maori taihoa)