Using Te Reo Māori phrases in the workplace

As Aotearoa embraces its rich cultural heritage, revitalising Te Reo Māori has become a priority for many workplaces. Te Reo Māori isn't just an official language; it's a taonga, or treasure, that carries stories, values, and a unique worldview. By incorporating Te Reo Māori into your workplace, you're not only fostering inclusivity and showing respect for Māori culture but also enriching your communication and creating a more welcoming environment for everyone.

Whether you're a fluent Te Reo Māori speaker or just starting your Te Reo journey, this post offers practical tips and cultural insights to help you elevate your workplace communication and contribute to a more inclusive Aotearoa.

Te Reo Māori pronunciation made easy

Before we begin, don’t let pronunciation anxieties hold you back! While Te Reo Māori has some unique sounds, mastering them is easier than you might think. 

Here are a few tips:

• Vowels: Te Reo Māori has five vowels (a, e, i, o, u) pronounced similarly to their English counterparts. The key is to elongate the vowel sounds, holding them slightly longer than you would in English.
• Consonants: Most consonants are pronounced similarly to English, with a few exceptions:
  • "Wh" is pronounced as an "f" sound.
  • "Ng" is pronounced as a soft "ng" sound, similar to the "ng" in "singer."
  • Double vowels (e.g., "aa") are pronounced as elongated versions of the single vowel sound.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Listen to native speakers, online pronunciation guides, or language learning apps, such as Kōrerorero, to familiarise yourself with the sounds of Te Reo Māori. Don't be afraid to ask for help or clarification if you're unsure. Most importantly, approach pronunciation with a sense of curiosity and fun, and you'll be speaking Te Reo Māori with confidence in no time!

Essential Te Reo Māori phrases for the workplace

Let's start with the basics – greetings and farewells. These are the bread and butter of everyday workplace interactions, and incorporating Te Reo Māori into them is a simple yet powerful way to acknowledge and respect Māori culture.

• Tēnā koe: This versatile greeting translates to "Greetings to you" and can be used in various settings, whether you're addressing a colleague, client, or customer.
• Kia ora: Perhaps the most well-known Māori phrase, "Kia ora", is an informal greeting that translates to "Be well/healthy." It's a friendly way to acknowledge someone's presence and well-being.
• Mōrena: Specifically used in the morning, "Mōrena" is the equivalent of "Good morning."
• Ata mārie: Another option for "Good morning," "Ata mārie" is often used in more formal settings.
• Ngā mihi: This phrase means "Greetings" or "Best wishes" and can be used as a standalone greeting or to acknowledge a group of people.
• Haere rā: When it's time to say goodbye, "Haere rā" is a common farewell that translates to "Farewell" or "Go well."
• Hei konā rā: Another option for saying goodbye, "Hei konā rā" is a slightly more informal way to bid farewell.

By using these simple phrases, you're not only greeting or farewelling someone but also acknowledging the importance of Te Reo Māori and contributing to a more inclusive workplace culture. Good job/ka pai!

Expressing gratitude and asking questions

Going beyond greetings, there are other essential Te Reo Māori phrases for work that can enrich your workplace conversations. For example, expressing gratitude is a fundamental aspect of workplace communication, and doing so in Te Reo Māori adds a special touch.

• Ngā mihi nui: This phrase translates to "Thank you very much" and is a warm way to express your appreciation for someone's help, support, or contribution.
• Kia ora: While primarily used as a greeting, "Kia ora" can also be used to express gratitude, similar to saying "thank you" in English.
• Ka pai: This versatile phrase can be used to express agreement, approval, or appreciation. It can also be used as a response to "Kei te pēhea koe?" (How are you?), indicating that you're doing well.

Additionally, asking questions is another crucial aspect of communication, and incorporating Te Reo Māori into your inquiries demonstrates your cultural awareness and willingness to engage with the language.

• He pātai tāku: This phrase means "I have a question" and can be used to politely introduce a query.
• Kei te pēhea koe? This common phrase translates to "How are you?" and is a friendly way to inquire about someone's well-being.

Navigating meetings and workplace interactions

Meetings are a cornerstone of workplace communication, and incorporating Te Reo Māori into these settings can create a sense of inclusivity and cultural respect. 

Here are a few phrases you can use to navigate meetings effectively:

• Nau mai, haere mai: This welcoming phrase means "Welcome" and can be used to greet colleagues as they enter the meeting room.
• Kei te pēhea te haere o te mahi? This phrase translates to "How is the work going?" It is a great way to check in with colleagues about their progress.
• Tēnā tātou katoa: This phrase means "Greetings to us all" and can be used to address the entire group at the beginning of a meeting or presentation.

In addition to these specific meeting phrases, you can also use general Te Reo Māori words and expressions throughout your workplace interactions. For example, instead of saying "yes," you could say "āe," and instead of saying "no," you could say "kāo." 

Māori Language Week: a catalyst for workplace transformation

Māori Language Week, or Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, is a nationwide celebration of Te Reo Māori held annually in September. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the language, learn new phrases, and connect with Māori culture. But why limit your Te Reo journey to just one week? By incorporating Māori phrases for work into your daily vocabulary year-round, you're respecting our indigenous language and creating a more welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone.

Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out in your reo language, using Te Reo Māori phrases at work can enhance your communication, build rapport with colleagues, and demonstrate your commitment to cultural understanding. 

Practising Māori in the workplace is a small but significant step towards creating a more equitable and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. 

Key Takeaways 

By incorporating Te Reo Māori into your workplace, you're not just learning new phrases but embracing a richer way to communicate and connect with others. From simple greetings like "Kia ora" and "Tēnā koe" to expressions of gratitude like "Ngā mihi nui," these phrases go beyond words to foster inclusivity, respect, and cultural understanding. 

Remember, every effort you make to learn and use Te Reo Māori, whether during Māori Language Week or in your daily workplace interactions, contributes to revitalising one of our most beautiful treasures and strengthening the cultural fabric of Aotearoa. So, embrace the power of Te Reo Māori and watch your workplace transform into a more welcoming and culturally enriching environment.

While learning Te Reo Māori phrases can be a significant step, crafting a standout CV to showcase your cultural competency and language skills is equally important. Luckily, CVapp.nz offers a range of online tools and professional templates specially designed for Kiwi professionals.

With our easy-to-use CV builder, expert-approved features and CV examples, you can effortlessly create a polished CV highlighting your Te Reo Māori proficiency and cultural understanding. Whether you're applying for a role where Te Reo Māori is required or simply want to showcase your commitment to diversity and inclusivity, we’ve got you covered.