He Iti te Kupu contains nearly 500 sayings that draw a comparison between something (often the natural world) and people, events or contexts. Written in Māori and English, this accessible guide explains the use, meaning and context of a host of the principal figures of speech in te reo. Divided into themes, the book includes sayings for birds of the land and sea, parts of the body, acknowledgements, animals and insects. The title derives from the proverb, The words are small, yet their meanings are substantial, highlighting the importance of these sayings in the landscape of Māori language learning and speaking. This volume will be an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to use Māori figures of speech whether in te reo or English as well as students and speakers of the language.
Hona Black (Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) lectures on the post-graduate diploma in teaching for Māori medium schools at Te Pūtahi a Toi: School of Māori Knowledge at Massey University in Palmerston North. He has worked as the Senior Māori Adviser on Masseys Wellington campus, and been Head of Te Reo Māori at Hato Pāora College in Feilding.
