9 Simple Reo Māori Phrases to Support Reading at Home or in the Classroom

Apr 29, 2026 by Aroha Tamihana

If you’re supporting tamariki with reading, having a few go-to phrases can make things feel a lot more natural. Here are nine simple phrases you can use every day, at home or in the classroom.

Tīkina tō pēke pukapuka

Get your book bag

Anei te pukapuka

Here is the book

Pānuitia mai

Read it to me

Ko wai te kaituhi?

Who is the author?

Ko “Taika, Taika” te ingoa/taitara o tēnei pukapuka

“Tiger, Tiger” is the name/title of this book

Āta whakahuatia te kupu

Carefully sound out the word

Hoki atu, pānuitia anō

Go back, read it again

Hurihia te whārangi

Turn the page

Te pai hoki o tō pānui i tēnei rā!

Great job on your* reading today!
*singular

—

If you’d like something you can print and keep nearby, we’ve also created a practical reference sheet you can download and have on hand anytime.

Hands holding a 'Pānui' reo Māori reading reference sheet on a light surface with a plant and pencil in the background.

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