Glossary of Māori kupu (words)
Waka - Canoe, boat
Ama - Outrigger
Hoe - Paddle, blade
Hoe ki runga - Paddle up (hold the paddle above your head)
Hoe kia rite - Paddle in start position, ready to go
Hoea - Start paddling (similar to: ready, steady, go)
Karakia - Prayer (We say prayer before and after paddling to show our respect, honouring the elemental forces, life energies and all that is, asking for support and guidance.)
Kia ora - Welcome, thank you, be well
Pānui - Announcement, advertisment, race pack
Tikanga - Custom, etiquette, protocol, rule
Hongi -The sharing of breath and life force through the pressing of noses
After paddling we thank each other and acknowledge a safe return by sharing our breath with each other. The hongi is a traditional Maori way of greeting and connecting with each other
watch an explanation by Maori elder Dr. Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere here.)
