| Aotūroa | light of day, nature |
| Aroha | compassion, empathy, love |
| Atua | gods, spiritual deities |
| Awhi | embrace |
| Hapū | sub tribe |
| Hariru | shake hands |
| Hongi | press noses |
| Hui | meeting |
| Iwi | tribe |
| Kaiako | teacher |
| Kaiāwhina | support staff |
| Karakia | to pray, prayer |
| Kawa | protocol |
| Kaumātua | older or elderly generation |
| Kaupapa | philosophy, purpose |
| Kia rere te reo | let the language flow |
| Kōhanga reo whānau | includes kaiako, kaiāwhina and whānau |
| Korahi | dimensions |
| Kori tinana | exercise |
| Kura | school |
| Maiohatanga | disposition, respect |
| Mana | strength, influence, authority |
| Manaakitanga | care, kindness, hospitality |
| Manawanui | courage, determination |
| Marae | meeting place |
| Mōteatea | chant |
| Pākiki | curious, inquisitive |
| Pou | marker, stake, sign |
| Powhiri | welcome |
| Pūrākau | myths, legends |
| Purapura | group or cluster of kōhanga reo in close proximity |
| Tamariki | children |
| Tautoko | support |
| Te ao Māori | the Māori world |
| Te ao tūturu | original world |
| Te ao whānui | wider world |
| Teina | younger brother (of a male), younger sisters (of a female), cousins (of same gender) of a junior line |
| Te Korowai | Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust guidelines, cloak |
| Te reo Māori | the Māori language |
| Tikanga Māori | Māori practice |
| Tuakana | elder brother (of a male), elder sister (of female), cousins (of same gender from more senior line) |
| Tūrangawaewae | place where one belongs and feels strong a connection |
| Tūtohinga | charter |
| Wānanga | forum, conference, seminar |
| Whakapapa | genealogy |
| Whānau | related through lineage – immediate or extended relatives |
| Whanaungatanga | relationships |
| Whare | house, large space, dwelling |