The Rule of Three

Glossary

Gallipoli: World War One battle fought between the ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corp) and Turkish forces in 1915. The ANZACs suffered heavy losses, but fought with sheer determination for little gain.

Haka: Tribal war dance performed to intimidate an opponent. Famously performed in modern times by New Zealand sports teams. Each tribe has its own version of the dance.

Hongi: Translates to “The breath of life.” A greeting, where the two greeting each other touch noses and foreheads at the same time. Serves a similar purpose to a handshake.

Iwi: Translates to “people” or “nation”, but it has come to mean tribe. In pre-European times, Maori identified more with a Hapu or sub tribe. Iwi can mean a confederation of tribes.

Kai: Simply translates to “food”.

Kaitiaki: Term used for Guardianship of the Sea and of the Sky. Kaitiaki is a guardian, and the process and practices of looking after the environment.

Kaumatua: Elders in Maori society, held in high esteem. Being the storehouses of tribal knowledge, genealogy and traditions.

Kawakawa: Small tree endemic to New Zealand. Used in medicines and traditional practices.

Kehua: Translates to “ghost”.

Kina: A sea urchin endemic to New Zealand. Considered a delicacy.

Koru: Translates to “loop”. Used to describe the unfurling frond of the silver fern. Signifies new life, growth, strength and peace.

Kumara: A species of sweet potato grown in New Zealand. Traditionally a staple food.

Maori: Indigenous population of New Zealand.

Manuka: Small flowering tree. Famed for its oily timber and, in more recent times, for the honey produced from its flowers. The honey has many beneficial properties.

Mere: Traditional Maori weapon best described as a club. Could be made from a variety of materials. Chiefs had mere made from a hard semi-precious gemstone called “pounamu”.

Moriori: A peaceful indigenous people of the Chatham Islands to the west of New Zealand. Thought to have populated parts of the South Island as well.

New Zealand Flax: Endemic grass plant found throughout the country. Used for variety of reasons. Mainly for weaving traditional Maori objects. Europeans used it as a source of fibre to make ropes, etc.

Pakeha: White or fair skinned New Zealander. Specifically of European descent.

Paua: Endemic species of abalone found around the New Zealand coast.

Pohutukawa: Species of large coast dwelling tree. Often found clinging to cracks and to the side of cliffs. Called New Zealand’s “Christmas tree” because its red flowers bloom in abundance during December.

Powhiri: A Maori welcoming ceremony involving, singing, dancing and finally the hongi.

Paka: An expression of annoyance or anger. Can be used in reference to a person as seen in the film Whale Rider.

Taiaha: A traditional Maori weapon. A close-quarters staff. Made from wood or whale bone. Used for quick, stabbing thrusts and strikes, with fast footwork by the wielder. Often found to have intricate carvings near its tip.

Tangi: A traditional funeral held on a marae (meeting place)

Ta Moko: Traditional tattoos of the Maori.

Tekoteko: Maori term for a carved human figure or head. Sometimes attached to the gable of a house.

Te Reo: The Maori language.

Whanau: An extended family or related community who live together in the same area.