Kia ora, that means hello!You’ve come to a land far below.It’s called New Zealand, and also Aotearoa,with forests, mountains, and formerly moa.To help you feel welcome while you stay,here are new words you’ll use each day.Some may sound funny, some brand new,but soon you’ll be saying them too.
You’ve just stepped off a long, tiring flight,fnding relief is your first stop to make things right.Not bathroom or loo, though you might say so,“toilet” is the word kiwis use every day.If you’ve got a young brother or sister in tow,there are nappy change stations wherever you go.And if you’ve got trash or garbage to throw,it’s called rubbish here so in the bin it should go.
In the morning at school, there’s a break in the day,to eat with your friends and have time for play.In America it’s recess, in England a break,but here, morning tea is that break you take.You might hear the word kai which means food,such as biscuits or fruit to brighten the mood.And later on, when the sun starts to glow,instead of afternoon, they’ll call it arvo.
In September it’s spring, with blossoms in bloom,the days become warmer and brighter without gloom.Then December is summer, with long days of light,holidays, beaches, and evenings so bright.In March it is autumn, with crisp, cooler air,the leaves change their colours and fall everywhere.By June it is winter, with frost and cold rain,short days and dark nights come around once again.
If you need something to swim in, have no fear.They’re not swimmers or costumes or suits, they’re togs here.On hot sunny days when you’re out in the sand,you’ll slip on your jandals, not thongs in this land!When rain leaves puddles and mud’s everywhere,your gumboots will help you stomp without care.And if winter winds make you shiver and freeze,a warm woollen jersey will keep out the breeze.
When your family goes driving to places new,the roads in New Zealand look different to you.You’ll stop at a petrol station when the tank’s running low,to fill it with petrol before you go.The signs use kilometres, not miles, to show where to go,and lights are called traffic lights, not robots, you know.Cars travel on the left side, which might look quite strange,if so, you’ll soon get used to the Kiwi road change.
It’s not a corner store or convenience store,in New Zealand it’s a dairy and you’ll see them galore.You’ll find ice blocks for popsicles, lollies for sweets,the dairy’s the place for cool little treats.At the counter you’ll see hot chips and hand pies on display,and if you’re taking them with you, just ask for takeaway.There are fizzies to drink and hokey pokey to try,with honeycomb toffee that crunches inside.
Rugby’s the big game, for which the nation is best known,the All Blacks are New Zealand’s national team of their own.Before the match starts, the team does Maori war chant called a haka,moving together like paddlers in a canoe, or waka.At school there is netball and cricket to play,and football, or soccer, games most every day.In New Zealand they call hiking tramping instead,walking through forests and mountains ahead.
If something is awesome, you might hear sweet as,it means really good with nothing else coming after to ask.When something is fine, a Kiwi might say,she’ll be right which means it will all be okay.If you want to say thanks, just try out chur,or call someone mate which is friendly for sure.Yeah nah is tricky, it can mean yes or no,or just to fill the space when you don’t really know.
Whānau means family, warm and near,aroha is love we all hold dear.Tamariki are children, happy and bright,laughing and learning from morning to night.Ngā mihi means thanks, said with care,Matariki is a new year we sharewith hāngi, food cooked underground,and good feelings and vibes all around.
You’ve learned new words and creatures too,and what they mean in Aotearoa, too.From kiwi calls to Matariki’s light,this land will fill your heart with delight.Wherever you go, whatever you do,take aroha and kindness with you.Ka kite means “see you soon,” my friend,this is goodbye, and that is The End.
