Maori Proverbs

Maori Proverbs carry the voice of Aotearoa’s first navigators. Rooted in whakapapa, the marae, and the sea, they prize community, courage, and balance with nature.

The land is a mother that never dies. (Maori Proverb)
The more you ask how much longer it will take, the longer the journey seems. View proverb
Maori Proverb
The ocean gives and sustain life to the worthy. View proverb
Maori Proverb
Though my present be small, my love goes with it. View proverb
Maori Proverb
When a net is worn out, it is thrown away on the shore. View proverb
Maori Proverb
When the belly is full, the talk is good. View proverb
Maori Proverb
A bird which eats berries can be caught, but not a bird that eats wood. View proverb
Maori Proverb
A brave man who climbs trees is food for their roots. View proverb
Maori Proverb
A whale's tooth in a whale's jaw. View proverb
Maori Proverb
A woman in the house is like a kaka in the forest. View proverb
Maori Proverb
Desolate darkeness, desolate brightness. (Maori Proverb)
Join those who can join sections of a canoe. View proverb
Maori Proverb
Land is permanent, man disappears. View proverb
Maori Proverb
Let someone else acknowledge your virtues. View proverb
Maori Proverb
Many make the descent to eternal darkness but few ascend to heaven. View proverb
Maori Proverb
Many stars cannot be concealed by a small cloud. View proverb
Maori Proverb
My totara sapling so suddenly broken off. View proverb
Maori Proverb
Only the foolish visit the land of the cannibals. View proverb
Maori Proverb
Persist as resolutely as you persist in eating. View proverb
Maori Proverb
The block of wood should not dictate to the carver. View proverb
Maori Proverb
Like the migrating maruiwi, who all disappeared into the world of spirits dead like the moa. (Maori Proverb)
He who stands up will live, he who sits down will perish. View proverb
Maori Proverb
The dancing of tanerore has begun. View proverb
Maori Proverb
Care for the land, care for the people, go forward. View proverb
Maori Proverb
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. View proverb
Maori Proverb
More Maori Wisdom in Wikiquote