Whakataukī - Proverbs

Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei

Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain

This whakatauki is about aiming high or for what is truly valuable, but it's real message is to be persistent and don't let obstacles stop you from reaching your goal.
Te amorangi ki mua, te hapai o ki muri

The leader at the front and the workers behind the scenes

This is a reference to Marae protocol where the speakers are at the front of the meeting house and the workers are at the back making sure everything is prepared and that the guests are well looked after. It is important to note that both jobs are equally important, and are like the ying and yang, for without one, everything would fail.
Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini

My success should not be bestowed onto me alone, as it was not individual success but success of a collective

Said humbly when acknowledged.

Moe atu nga ringa raupo

Marry a man with calloused hands

Calloused hands are earned through hard work. This proverb suggests to woman to find a man who has an excellent work ethic.
He kai kei aku ringa

There is food at the end of my hands

Said by a person who can use his basic abilities and resources to create success.
He mahi te āta noho, e kī ana te wheke

It is the octopus who says sitting is working

This proverb can be used for lazy person.
Tama tu tama ora, tama noho tama mate

An active person will remain healthy while a lazy one will become sick

An word of encouragement to urge children to participate in activities and exercise. It is like saying, To stand is to live, to lie down is to die.

Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi

With your basket and my basket the people will live

Again referring to co-operation and the combination of resources to get ahead. This proverb can be very useful and is often said.
Ma whero ma pango ka oti ai te mahi

With red and black the work will be complete

This refers to co-operation where if everyone does their part, the work will be complete. The colours refer to to the traditional kowhaiwhai patterns on the inside of the meeting houses.
He waka eke noa

A canoe which we are all in with no exception

We are all in this together. An example of when this can be used perhaps when a group of you are going to the movies but one of them doesn't have any money so wouldn't be able to go along. You can say he waka eke noa, meaning you will pay as you are all in one group and it would not be the same if they were to miss out.
Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini

My success should not be bestowed onto me alone, as it was not individual success but success of a collective

Said humbly when acknowledged.