Different ways to say Goodbye

Here are some common ways to say goodbye in te reo Māori. Some are friendly and general, and some depend on who is leaving or staying.

Notice

• Ka kite is a friendly, general “See you.”
• Haere rā is said to the person who is leaving.
• E noho rā is said to the person who is staying.
• Hei ... phrases add a time, e.g. Hei āpōpō = “See you tomorrow.”
• Mā te wā has become well-known because of its use by Air New Zealand.

Check your understanding:

• Say goodbye when you are the one leaving (to those staying). E noho rā.
• Say goodbye to someone who is leaving. Haere rā.
• Say “See you tomorrow.” Ka kite / Hei āpōpō.