Māori language influence on New Zealand English

[5][6][7] Large numbers of native plants and animals retain their Māori names in New Zealand English.

Examples include: "Kia ora" (literally "be healthy") is a Māori term of greeting, meaning "hello" or "welcome".

The Māori phrase "kia kaha", "be strong", is frequently encountered as an indication of moral support for someone starting a stressful undertaking or otherwise in a difficult situation.

Although previously in common usage it became an iconic phrase of support following the 2010 Canterbury earthquake.

Some hybrid words, part English and part Māori, have developed, the most common of which is probably half-pai — often written half-pie — meaning incomplete or substandard quality, pai being the Māori word for "good".