Kia ora Kia ora Kia ora (, approximated in English as ) is a Māori language greeting which has entered New Zealand English. It means, literally, "have life" or "be well/healthy", and is translated as an informal "hi" or "hello" at the Māori Language Commission website Kōrero Māori. It might be used as a salutation, a farewell or an expression of thanks. It also signifies agreement with a speaker at a meeting, as part of a culture which prizes oratory. Along with the other Māori greetings, "tēnā koe"; "tēnā kōrua"; and "tēnā koutou" (respectively, one; two; and three or more people), it
Kia kaha a strong rope made from coconut fibres and used for lashing canoes, weapons, and buildings together. The phrase is used in several different contexts. It is a term of comfort or solace (an equivalent of "be strong - my thoughts are with you"), or (less often) it can serve a similar function to 'kia ora' - an interjection during a speech to indicate support or approval (similar to "hear! hear!"). It is sometimes seen used as a valediction at the bottom of messages. The phrase "Kia kaha" is prominently used in New Zealand's most famous military song, the Marching Song