Kia ora
Hello, thanks, cheers, good health - the most famous te reo phrase, used by everyone.
"Kia ora, how's it going?"
The dictionary · best-rated first · page 11 of 22
Kina
Sea urchin - a prized (and divisive) Maori delicacy. Strong flavour, not for the timid.
"Fresh kina straight from the shell."
Kiwi dip
Reduced cream mixed with onion soup powder - the dip at every NZ gathering. Chips mandatory.
"Made the Kiwi dip for the barbecue."
Knackered
Extremely tired. Warning: sounds like 'naked' to Londoners, with predictable results.
"Knackered after night shift."
Koha
A gift or donation, often at events - reciprocity is the point. 'Koha on the door.'
"Entry's by koha."
Kumara
Sweet potato, a Maori-introduced staple. In everything from chips to the Sunday roast.
"Roast kumara with the lamb, please."
L&P
Lemon & Paeroa - the fizzy drink 'world famous in New Zealand', made from Paeroa spring water. National soft drink.
"Nothing beats a cold L&P on a hot day."
Leg it
To run, fast, usually away from something.
"We legged it for the bus."
Legend
A top person; someone who did you a solid. NZ's default gratitude noun.
"You brought the chilly bin? Legend."
Lippy
Lipstick. 'Quick, need my lippy.'
"Put a bit of lippy on before we go."
Lollies
Sweets, candy. A 'mixed bag' from the dairy is a childhood rite.
"Grabbed a bag of lollies for the road trip."
Lolly cake
A NZ classic - crushed malt biscuits, condensed milk and fruit puff lollies rolled in coconut. Nostalgia in a slice.
"Nan made lolly cake for the shout."
Macca's
McDonald's. The only name anyone actually uses.
"Macca's run?"
Maccas run
A trip to McDonald's - the sacred late-night or hangover mission.
"Who's keen for a Maccas run?"
Mahi
Work, effort. 'Doing the mahi' means putting in the graft — and 'do the mahi, get the treats' is modern NZ scripture.
"Big week of mahi ahead."
Mahi's done
The work is finished - satisfaction in three words.
"Mahi's done, time for a bevvy."
Mallowpuff
A NZ biscuit - marshmallow dome on a biscuit base, chocolate coated. Fridge-cold is best.
"MallowPuffs from the fridge, unbeatable."
Mana
Prestige, authority, spiritual power - a person's standing. Deeply important te reo concept.
"He's got serious mana in the community."
Marae
The communal Maori meeting grounds - the wharenui and surrounds, heart of iwi life.
"The tangi was held at the marae."
Marmite
The NZ yeast spread (not the UK one - different recipe, and Kiwis will die on this hill).
"Marmite on hot buttered toast, unbeatable."