Kia ora!
That's a common greeting you see/hear around here- literally I guess it means 'good health' or something similar in the native language Maori, but it's used as a way to say 'hi'. I'm trying to start learning more Maori words and phrases, and the general pronunciation rules. I found these websites that are somewhat helpful:
Pronunciation Guide
100 Words Every NZ Should Know
So, at the end of the month of June each year, the constellation Matariki rises for the first time in the NZ sky. This signifies the start of the New Year according to Maori tradition and is cause for much celebration and festivities. As I understand it, the first new moon after the first sighting of Matariki marks the New Year, so the celebrations generally last a few weeks. We decided to check out some of those festivities last weekend, which resulted in flying a kite at one of the many hills of the city. One of the reasons I need to learn some Maori- the brochure advertised that 'kai' would be available for purchase. I had to use google to find out that 'kai' means 'food'! This week is multi-language week- meaning lots of signs at supermarkets, programs on television, websites, etc are in Maori and English- so it's a good time to start learning!
This weekend there are more festivities that we hope to check out- weather permitting. I think I was really lucky my first week here with sun and warm weather. This week it's felt a bit more like the winter that it is with rainy days and cold (though Auckland has nothing on Chicago winters- no snow!).
I hope to post pictures soon, and more details of the Matariki festivities as they progress.
That's a common greeting you see/hear around here- literally I guess it means 'good health' or something similar in the native language Maori, but it's used as a way to say 'hi'. I'm trying to start learning more Maori words and phrases, and the general pronunciation rules. I found these websites that are somewhat helpful:
Pronunciation Guide
100 Words Every NZ Should Know
So, at the end of the month of June each year, the constellation Matariki rises for the first time in the NZ sky. This signifies the start of the New Year according to Maori tradition and is cause for much celebration and festivities. As I understand it, the first new moon after the first sighting of Matariki marks the New Year, so the celebrations generally last a few weeks. We decided to check out some of those festivities last weekend, which resulted in flying a kite at one of the many hills of the city. One of the reasons I need to learn some Maori- the brochure advertised that 'kai' would be available for purchase. I had to use google to find out that 'kai' means 'food'! This week is multi-language week- meaning lots of signs at supermarkets, programs on television, websites, etc are in Maori and English- so it's a good time to start learning! This weekend there are more festivities that we hope to check out- weather permitting. I think I was really lucky my first week here with sun and warm weather. This week it's felt a bit more like the winter that it is with rainy days and cold (though Auckland has nothing on Chicago winters- no snow!).
I hope to post pictures soon, and more details of the Matariki festivities as they progress.
Sounds like you are having fun and starting to settle in! I look forward to seeing some pictures! Kia ora!
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