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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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He Kete Kiwaha
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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.
Also by Hona Black
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Nga Hapa Reo
Nga Hapa Reo, the latest work by the renowned Hona Black and co-author Te Aorangi Murphy-Fell, comes as a crucial resource amidst the surging interest in te reo Māori. This book continues the legacy of insightful linguistic guides such as Te Reo Kapekape (2023) and He Iti te Kupu (2021), becoming an essential companion for both learners and fluent speakers...Paperback$6500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
Te Reo Kapekape
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$7800Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
Pre-orderHe Iti te Kupu (te reo Maori edition)
He Iti te Kupu contains nearly 500 sayings that draw a comparison between something (often the natural world) and people, events or contexts. This accessible guide explains the use, meaning and context of a host of the principal figures of speech in te Reo. Divided into themes, including birds of the land and sea, parts of the body, acknowledgements, animals...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3499Unit price /UnavailableOut 10 Sep 2026Pre-order -
Pre-orderNga Hapa Reo (te reo Māori edition)
Following on from the bestselling Te Reo Kapekape (2023) and He Iti te Kupu (2021), Hona Black's new book - co-authored with Te Aorangi Murphy-Fell - is an essential reference for any Māori learner or speaker. Surging interest in te reo Māori in recent years has led to a range of errors becoming common in classrooms and everyday use, many...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3499Unit price /UnavailableOut 10 Sep 2026Pre-order
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