matahīapo
1. (modifier) precious, prized.
Hei tohu i te mana me te awe hoki o Mere Rikiriki, i tāpaetia atu ai e Kīngi Tāwhiao he haki māna, e mau nei te ingoa ko 'E Te Iwi Kia Ora'; kātahi te taonga matahīapo ko tēnei (TTR 1996:171) / Mere Rikiriki's mana and influence is symbolised by King Tāwhiao's presentation to her of the flag 'E Te Iwi Kia Ora'; what a prized possession this was.
Synonyms: māpuna, tongarewa, marihi, matenui, kahurangi, mōmōhanga, tongarerewa, puiaki, hokoi, kāmehameha, piripoho, puipuiaki, matapopore
2. (noun) treasure, prized possession.
He kahurangi ia, he matahīapo i te iwi (TWMNT 26/1/1875:22). / She was a darling, a treasure of the people.
Synonyms: ika
