Filters

Idioms

Phrases

Proverbs

Loan words

Historical loan words

Filters

Idioms

Phrases

Proverbs

Loan words

Historical loan words

manu taupunga

1. (noun) decoy bird.

Ka herea te manu taupunga ki te pūtake o te taki. Ka whakangē te kākā mōkai kia rere mai ai ētahi atu kākā (Te Ara 2011). / The decoy bird was tied to the base of the bird snaring trap. The pet kākā screeched so that other kākā would fly there.

Show example

Hide example


2. (noun) sentry bird - also a figurative term for a chief.

Ko te manu taupunga ka noho mataara i te wā e kai ana te kāhui. Ka noho te manu taupunga ki te tiaki i te rākau e kainga ana; ki te tata mai he manu kē ki te kai, ka panaa e ia (Te Ara 2011). / The sentry bird stands guard while the flock is eating. The sentry bird would guard the tree where they were eating, and if other birds approached to eat, it drove them away.

Show example

Hide example

Synonyms: manu taki, manu tāiko

New favourites & quiz!

The Te Aka Māori Dictionary mobile app now has the ability to sort your favourite words into folders. Plus, these folders can be turned into a quiz for a fun way to learn words and definitions. Download or update the app today!

iOS Android

The App

Te Aka Māori Dictionary is also available as an iOS and Android app. Download below.

iOS Android

The Book

Te Aka Māori-English, English-Māori Dictionary and Index by John C Moorfield comprises a selection of modern and everyday language that will be extremely useful for learners of the Māori language.

More info

He Pātaka Kupu

Te kai a te rangatira

He Pātaka Kupu is a monolingual Māori language dictionary, and was designed using its own culturally authentic terms.

Visit website

00:00