As with any form of translation, meaning can be lost.  These translations of Māori concepts are not perfect, and cannot be fully understood in isolation.  We have provided links to some words in order to understand their meaning at a deeper level. However, for the purpose of generating understanding, here are the general meanings of some words used throughout this project:

Aotearoa: the Māori word for ‘New Zealand,’ meaning ‘the land of the long white cloud.’

aroha: the Māori value of sacrifice, compassion, generosity, empathy.

Māori: the Indigenous people of Aotearoa

mana: fundamental concept that cannot be translated into English. Watch this video to learn more.

pono: the Māori value of reality, truth, honesty, integrity

tika: the Māori value of being concerned with doing the right thing, at the right time

whakawhanautanga: the Māori value of an extended family-like environment

whānau: family group