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He Kete Kiwaha
A Practical Guide to Maori Idioms
Brief Description
Idioms – the everyday turns of phrase that give a language its character – are a key part of speaking fluently, and te reo Māori is rich in them. The title of this work translates into English as a basket of idioms. Drawing on extensive research...
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See more- Comprehensive guide on Maori idioms - Bilingual with Maori on one page and English on the other - Essential reference guide for students and speakers of te reo Maori
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Description
Idioms – the everyday turns of phrase that give a language its character – are a key part of speaking fluently, and te reo Māori is rich in them. The title of this work translates into English as a basket of idioms.
Drawing on extensive research and consultation with some of Aotearoa's leading reo experts – including Sir Timoti Karetu and Te Haumihiata Mason – teacher and language advocate Hona Black offers a comprehensive guide to more than 180 common kiwaha (idioms).
Each entry is graded for difficulty and supported with clear explanations, along with examples from written sources and examples created by the author.
As with his previous works, the book is fully bilingual, with Māori and English presented side by side. With additional space for readers to collect their own idioms, this can become a personal guidebook to enhancing your te reo.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781991353030
Publisher: Oratia Media
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 10 September 2026
Country: New Zealand
Imprint: Oratia Books
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 25.0mm
Width: 148.0mm
Height: 210.0mm
Weight: 650g
Pages: 408
About the Author
Hona Black (Tuhoe, Te Whanau a Apanui, Te Whakatohea, Ngati Tuwharetoa) is Professor of te reo Maori at Te Kawa a Māui at Te Herenga Waka, University of Wellington. He is the author of He Iti te Kupu: Maori Metaphors and Similes, Te Reo Kapekape: Maori Wit and Humour and, with Te Aorangi Murphy-Fell, Nga Hapa Reo: Common Maori Language Errors.
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Following on from the successful He Iti te Kupu: Maori Metaphors and Similes, Hona Black's new book explores the rich vein of humour in Maori life. Want to know how to call a silly person a 'roro hipi / sheep's brain', or tell someone to get stuffed in te reo Maori? The answers are all in Te Reo Kapekape (literally,...Paperback$7500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
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