New Zealand Languages
New Zealand has two official languages, English and Maori. English is the
predominant language and is spoken throughout the country. Maori is spoken by
approximately half of the Maori population. Several Maori words are commonly
used by English speakers, including kai (food), whanau (family) and Kia ora
(hello).
Many of New Zealand’s place names are in Maori and international visitors may
find their pronunciation quite challenging! Vowel sounds are different to their
English equivalent, with ‘a, e, i, o, u’ pronounced ‘arr, eh, ee, or, oou’. It
may also be helpful to remember that ‘wh’ is generally pronounced ‘f’ and ‘ng’
is pronounced ‘-ing’ as in ending.
For more information about the Maori language, visit the websites below:
www.tereo.maori.org.nzwww.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz