Mahi 1 Greetings and introductions

Learn essential workplace greetings and self-introductions for the workplace.

Introduction

Create an inclusive workplace culture not just for kaimahi (employees who identify as Māori) but for everyone. Let's start with introductions.

Warm Up

Why does learning te Reo Māori in the workplace matter for you? 

Can you give some examples of how you show manaakitanga in your place of work? (Manaakitanga will often be translated as generosity, hospitality and support, but has a deeper meaning).

Language

Today we are going to practice the basics of kia ora, mōrena, tēnā koe, and how to introduce yourself.

Mōrena or Ata Mārie are great general good morning greetings.

Tēnā koe = Hello to one person 


Tēnā kōrua = Hello to two people 


Tēnā koutou = Hello to three or more people

 

Tēnā koe i tēnei ahiahi = Good afternoon to one


Tēnā kōrua i tēnei ahiahi = Good afternoon to two


Tēnā koutou i tēnei ahiahi = Good afternoon to three or more

 

Kia ora is a more informal hello. 


Kia ora e te whānau is a good opening when saying hello to your team or group.

 

Tēnā koe e hoa (formal) to a friend 


Kia ora e hoa (informal) to a friend

 

Ko ___(your name)___ ahau.


Ko ___(your name)___ tōku ingoa
 

Practice

With your kaiako now try practising and applying your phrases to different contexts.

Role play and swap being the tangata whenua (host) and the manuhiri (guest). 


How do you say hello and good morning to your close friend and colleague in the office?


How might you greet a visiting party of three executives from another office?


How would you greet your new team and introduce yourself in-house? 

What about when you visit a new place of work and need to greet one person?

Reflect and review prompts for tauira: 


What new words felt natural? 
What was challenging? Why did you find it challenging?
Is it a grammar issue? 
Is it a new kupu or vocab?
How is your expression and pronunciation? 

Use Te Reo Māori greetings in daily interactions. 
Think of what greetings and hellos you already use. 

Mahi kāinga

 

Try using some of the greetings we have gone over at work. Think about the different language and formal or informal tone you use for superiors, colleagues and customers or clients.