Orite - We've been using the wrong word...

Orite - We've been using the wrong word...

From A Maori Podcast by Ihira

May 27, 2026 · 6 min · Season 1 · Episode 71

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of using the correct Maori words and learning from mistakes in language.

Kia ora ra e te iwi! I have a Patreon where I hope to add some additional value. If you'd like the kaupapa, and you appreciate this mahi, you can give a koha here: A Maori Podcast So, we've been using the wrong word and I hope that this episode can help us improve our reo. Making mistakes is fine, learning from them is better. Ko te reo kia tika, kia rere, kia maori! Tukuna ki te ao! Whakatauki - He peka titoki e kore e whati. / A branch of the titoki tree will not break. [Kohikohinga Whakatauki, pg. 43] Atua Wahine - Hineruru: "Families and larger kinship groups recognised the existence of ancestral guardinas embodied in animals. These spirits took a variety of forms, but the guardians [kaitiaki] that warn of death are usually owls (moreporks). These have different names. In Northland they are often known as Hineruru [Owl woman]. This special bird has the power to protect, warn and advise. As well as appearing at night wen someone is about to die, she may announce the imminent arrival of visitors. If she is seen flying ahead or walking along the road, she is usually there as a protector at a time of danger." [A Concise Encyclopedia of Maori Myth and Legend, Margaret Orbell, pg…

People in this episode

Host: Ihira

Topics covered

  • language improvement
  • Maori culture
  • mistakes in language
  • ancestral guardians
  • learning reo

Keywords

  • Maori
  • reo
  • language
  • Hineruru
  • whakatauki
  • kaitiaki
  • learning

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: A Maori Podcast, A Concise Encyclopedia of Maori Myth and Legend

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