| Kupu | Brief description |
| karanga(tia) | to call, to be called, call of welcome |
| kuia | elderly woman |
| kaumātua | elder |
| koroua | elderly man |
| manuhiri / manuwhiri | visitors |
| wero(hia) | to challenge / be challenged (referring to traditional welcome to visitors), a challenge |
| hongi | the pressing of noses (signifying unity in the mingling of one another's breath) |
| whaikōrero | to make a speech, main speech |
| waiata(tia) | to sing, song |
| karakia | incantation, chant, prayer, to pray |
| whakaeke(a) | to arrive / ascend (onto a Marae) |
| manaaki(tia) | look after, care for, show respect or kindness to |
| mihi | to greet, acknowledge, thank, pay tribute |
| pōwhiri(tia) / pōhiri(tia) | to welcome, a welcoming ceremony |
| hākari(a) | feast |
| kawa | protocol |
| pūkana | fierce facial expressions used in actions songs and haka. |
| tangata whenua | people of the land/marae |
| harirū(tia) | to shake hands, handshake |
| tikanga | custom |
| takahi(a) | to tramp, tread, abuse, disregard |
| iwi | tribe |
| hui | to gather, assemble, a meeting |
| hīkoi | walk |