Para Kore and WasteMINZ have consulted with speakers of te reo Māori from local iwi, community groups, councils, universities and government departments to arrive at some agreed-on translations and some alternatives. As regional variations are still possible, WasteMINZ suggests consulting locally where possible for those intending to create signage or material. For the full resource kit, including recycling symbols, visit the WasteMINZ website.
Below are a few te reo Māori kupu that relate to recycling and packaging. For the full list, including other types of waste, see the WasteMinz website.
Bags & Wrap – Pēke, Tākai
Bottles & Jars – Pātara, Ipu Karaehe (glass containers)
Cans – Kēne
Cardboard – Kāri Mārō
Clear – Kōataata
Containers – Ipu
Drink – Inu
Food Scraps – Para Kai
Food Scraps & Compostable Packaging – Para Kai, Tākai Pōpopo
Furniture – Taputapu whare
Garden Cuttings – Tapahanga Māra, Tapahitanga Māra
Glass – Karaehe Karāhe, Kōata
Landfill – Ruapara
Milk Bottles – Pātara Miraka
Paper – Pepa
Plastic – Kirihou
Polystyrene – Kirihou Kōmāmā
Recycling – Hangarua, Hakarua is Ngāi Tahu dialect for Hangarua
Reuse – Whakamahia Anō
Rubbish – Para, Rāpihi
Shopping Bags – Pēke Hokohoko
Soft Plastic – Kirihou Ngohengohe
