🟥ESOL: 100 Uniquely New Zealand Words and Phrases

 

1. **Kia Ora** - Hello, welcome, or thank you in Māori

2. **Aotearoa** - The Māori name for New Zealand

3. **Pākehā** - Term to refer to New Zealanders of European descent

4. **Whānau** - Extended family or kinship group in Māori culture

5. **Jandals** - Flip-flops or sandals

6. **Chilly bin** - Cooler box or ice chest

7. **Tiki tour** - A scenic route or detour

8. **Sweet as** - Excellent, great, or all good

9. **She'll be right** - Everything will be okay

10. **Bach** - Holiday home or beach house

11. **Kiwiana** - Items or elements that are uniquely New Zealand

12. **Tū Meke** - Awesome or well done in Māori

13. **Number 8 wire mentality** - Resourceful or creative problem-solving

14. **Pōhutukawa** - A native New Zealand tree known as the New Zealand Christmas tree

15. **Haka** - Traditional Māori war dance or ceremonial performance

16. **Pavlova** - Meringue-based dessert popular in New Zealand and Australia

17. **Kia Kaha** - Stay strong or be brave in Māori

18. **Mate** - Friend or buddy

19. **L&P** - Lemon & Paeroa, a popular New Zealand soft drink

20. **Pounamu** - Jade or greenstone, a precious stone found in New Zealand

21. **Bro** - Term of endearment or address for a friend

22. **Tāonga** - Treasured possession or gift in Māori culture

23. **Eh** - Used at the end of sentences to seek agreement or confirmation

24. **Haere Mai** - Welcome or come here in Māori

25. **Kumara** - Sweet potato, a staple food in New Zealand

26. **Buzzy** - Exciting or interesting

27. **On ya bike** - Go away or leave

28. **Shout** - To buy a round of drinks for friends

29. **Tramping** - Hiking or trekking in the wilderness

30. **Oi** - Hey or listen

31. **Kākāpō** - Endangered flightless parrot native to New Zealand

32. **Wop-wops** - Remote or isolated rural areas

33. **Chur** - Thank you or cheers

34. **Tellie** - Television or TV

35. **Whakapapa** - Genealogy or family tree in Māori culture

36. **Bach** - A small, modest holiday home or cottage

37. **Hokey pokey** - New Zealand term for honeycomb toffee

38. **Stubbies** - Men's short shorts, especially for work or sports

39. **Kia Ora** - Air New Zealand's in-flight magazine

40. **Rugby** - Popular sport in New Zealand, often referred to as the national sport

41. **Swanndri** - Iconic New Zealand brand of outdoor clothing

42. **Bach** - Coastal holiday home or beach house

43. **Chur bro** - Thanks, brother

44. **Kiwi** - National symbol of New Zealand and a flightless bird

45. **Pūhā** - Traditional Māori vegetable dish made from sow thistle leaves

46. **Steinlager** - New Zealand beer brand

47. **Tahr** - Large mountain goat native to the Southern Alps of New Zealand

48. **Skuxx** - Stylish or attractive person

49. **Flax** - Native New Zealand plant used in weaving and traditional crafts

50. **Koha** - Gift or donation in Māori culture

51. **Tiki** - Carving or pendant representing Māori culture

52. **Bikkie** - Biscuit or cookie

53. **Dairy** - Convenience store or corner shop

54. **Sweet f.a.** - Nothing at all or very little

55. **Wairua** - Spirit or essence in Māori belief

56. **Piki** - Climb or ascend

57. **Pakeha** - New Zealander of European descent

58. **Kapai** - Good, great, or well done in Māori

59. **Anzac Biscuit** - Oat and coconut cookie traditionally made in New Zealand for Anzac Day

60. **Bangers** - Sausages

61. **Tane** - Man or male in Māori

62. **Coriander** - Cilantro in New Zealand English

63. **Utu** - Payment or retribution in Māori culture

64. **Snarler** - Sausage, often used in the context of a sausage sizzle

65. **Weta** - Large insect native to New Zealand

66. **Waiata** - Song or chant in Māori culture

67. **Mince** - Ground meat, often used in dishes like mince pies

68. **Māori** - Indigenous people of New Zealand

69. **Mounties** - New Zealand army boots

70. **Mānuka** - Native New Zealand tree known for its medicinal honey

71. **Eskimo pie** - Ice cream dessert in New Zealand

72. **Paua** - Abalone shellfish endemic to New Zealand waters

73. **Booze** - Alcohol or liquor

74. **Heihei** - Chicken or poultry in Māori

75. **Spacies** - Slot machines or arcade games

76. **Iwi** - Tribe or people in Māori culture

77. **Whare** - House or building in Māori

78. **Kia Kaha** - Be strong or stay strong

79. **Bogan** - Person considered uncultured or unsophisticated

80. **Meat pie** - Popular savory pastry in New Zealand

81. **Tui** - Native New Zealand bird known for its distinctive call

82. **Nau mai** - Welcome in Māori

83. **Swappa crate** - Plastic crate used for carrying beer bottles

84. **Kiwifruit** - Native New Zealand fruit, also known as a kiwi

85. **Wop-wops** - Remote or rural areas

86. **Paua shell** - Colorful shell from the paua or abalone

87. **Tiki-tour** - Scenic drive or sightseeing trip

88. **Kaimoana** - Seafood or shellfish in Māori

89. **Kea** - Native alpine parrot known for its mischievous behavior

90. **Haere ra** - Goodbye or farewell in Māori

91. **Bro** - Term of endearment for a friend or acquaintance

92. **Waka** - Canoe or vehicle in Māori

93. **Kumara** - Sweet potato, a staple crop in New Zealand

94. **Ka pai** - Good job or well done

95. **Barbie** - Barbecue or grill

96. **Pūha** - Sow thistle leaves used in traditional Māori cooking

97. **Chilly bin** - Insulated container used for keeping food and drinks cool

98. **Kapa haka** - Māori performing arts

99. **Tā moko** - Traditional Māori tattooing

100. **Mince and cheese pie** - Popular savory pie filled with minced meat and cheese

These words and phrases are part of the rich cultural tapestry of New Zealand, reflecting the country's history, heritage, and identity.