Any respected older woman, related or not. A mark of respect in Maori and Pasifika culture, used well beyond actual aunties.
"Go ask Aunty, she'll know."
"Aunty made a mean feed for the whole marae."
Te Reo & Pacific Influence · New Zealand slang
Aunty
Origin & notes
Broad respectful usage across Maori/Pasifika NZ.
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