TKI - The Ministry of Education information about te reo in schools - Read here

https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/maori-language/

Te reo Māori in classrooms, Current policy, future practice. -  Georgina Stewart 

Kia ora can be used to say hello, express gratitude, send love and make a connection.

Kia ora is a warm and welcoming greeting you'll hear throughout New Zealand and comes from the indigenous Māori language.

What does kia ora mean?

In its simplest form, kia ora means hello. However, 'kia ora' is more than just hello because it references life and health.

These two words signify more than just a passing greeting. In its literal sense, 'ora' refers to a state of living, or being alive. By using using 'kia', it changes it from a noun to a verb, so rather than 'alive' it is 'living'. So when you say kia ora to someone, you are wishing the essence of life upon them.

When should you say kia ora?

Kia ora is used as an informal greeting throughout New Zealand. You will hear everyone from the Prime Minister to the local shopkeeper using it in day-to-day conversation.

Use kia ora to wish someone well as a greeting or farewell, to say thank you, to affirm support, or to say a friendly 'cheers'. You can also use kia ora to answer the phone or start an email.

How do you say goodbye in Te Reo Māori?

• Ka kite anō - See you later

• Mā te wā - See you next time

• Haere rā - Goodbye/farewell (said to someone leaving)

• Hei kona rā - Goodbye (said to someone staying)

How do you say thank you in Te Reo Māori?

• As well as being used as a greeting, kia ora is also a general expression of appreciation.

• Tēnā koe (to one person), tēnā kōrua (to two people), or tēnā koutou (to three or more people) also means thank you in Māori.