Whakataukī are Māori proverbs. These proverbs are usually based on tikanga (culture) or history. Whakataukī play a large role within Māori culture. They are used as a reference point in speeches and also as guidelines spoken to others day by day. The only difference between whakatauki and whakatauāki is with whakatauāki we know who said and with whakatauakī the composer is unknown.
The first section of this page is dedicated to whakatauki from our local area.
Ngā mate i Kōhī me tangi mai i Kawerau;
Ngā mate i Kawerau me tangi atu i Kōhī.
Deaths at Kōhī were mourned at Kawerau;
Deaths at Kawerau were mourned at Kōhi
This proverb refers to two important places within Ngāti Awa’s tribal area.
The Ngāti Awa chief Tamatearehe was speaking about his own tribe when he he said this. He meant that pleasant talk is sometimes used to cover treacherous intentions.
Koia tēnei; ko te toroa noho au,
E tangi ana ki tōna kainga, e mihi ana.
This is a fact; I live like the albatross, Crying out to its nesting place, and greeting you [in sorrow]
The effect of the land confiscation by the crown was described by Hāmiora Tumutara Pio, a paramount chief and tohunga of Ngāti Awa in the whakatauaki.
He manu hou ahau, he pī ka rere.
I am like a fledgling, a newborn bird just learning to fly.
Words said by Ngāti Awa and Ngāi Tūhoe chief Te Mautaranui. This is a very wellknown Ngati Awa Whakatauaki.