Tired of typing the same ol' “Ngā mihi” at the end of every email? It’s time to add a little personality (and humour) to your sign-offs. We’ve whipped up some quirky, cheeky, and reo Māori-inspired ways to end your emails that will leave the recipient smiling...and maybe a little confused. Or both 🤷🏽
- Live, laugh, learn te reo Māori ✌
- Mā te wā, kororā 🐧 (bye for now, penguin pal)
- Ngā m̶i̶h̶i̶ kihi 😘 (kind r̶e̶g̶a̶r̶d̶s̶ kisses)
- From your favourite hōhā
- Mihi ana, arephana 🐘 (cheers, big ears / chur dumbo / thanks a bunch, heffalump)
- Noho wehi mai 🔥 (stay slayin')
Try these sign-offs next time you send an email and see which one sticks. ⚠️ Disclaimer: These are not exactly appropriate for emails to your boss, client, or any professional context...keep them for internal emails, your work wife, mates, and anyone who’ll appreciate a bit of quirkiness in their inbox 😉
Why reo in everyday places matters
Sometimes the most underrated way to promote te reo Māori is in the little, everyday moments. Slipping reo into an email sign-off, a quick text, or a casual kōrero helps normalise the language and reminds us (and those around us) that Māori is a living, breathing reo.
By integrating kupu into things as ordinary as your inbox, you’re showing that te reo Māori doesn’t need a “special occasion” to be used. It belongs everywhere: in our workplaces, grocery stores, kāinga (homes), and yes, even at the bottom of an email. These small choices add up, helping shift te reo from something we learn into something we live.
