Rārangi kupu mō te reo Māori Te reo Māori glossary

Ngā pou

is the te reo Māori title used for Principles. Pou is a commonly used and recognised term that can be translated as pillar, support or something that is fixed and immovable.

Te noho taiapa

is the descriptor for the politically neutral principle.

It is a kīwaha and directly translates to ‘sit on the fence’. For clarity, it is not expected that public servants sit on the fence in all situations especially in relation to their rights and freedoms. However they should consider political neutrality as part of their role as a public servant and the guidance within this context.

Tohutohu hāngai

is the descriptor for the free and frank advice principle. Tohutohu is a translation for ‘to advise’. Hāngai is a translation for directly and is commonly used in the kīwaha ‘me hāngai te kōrero’ which can be translated to keeping to the point or ‘don’t beat around the bush.’

Kopounga whai-painga

is the te reo Māori descriptor for the merit-based appointments principle. Kopounga is a translation for appointee, appointment or successful candidate. Whai-painga is a translation for merit-based or to be of value or benefit.

Kāwanatanga tuwhera

is the te reo Māori descriptor used for open government. Kāwanatanga is the translation for Government and tuwhera is to open or be open.

Kaitiakitanga

is the te reo Māori descriptor used for stewardship. Kaitiakitanga in its simplest form is translated to guardianship, stewardship or trustee.