Te Aka is a Māori online dictionary with Māori to English and English to Māori translations. Te Aka should sit in your tool bar as a useful support mechanism for your Te reo journey.

Te Aka started life as a dictionary in book form created by John Moorfield from AUT in Tamaki makaurau. You can purchase the app for your phone- but I think there is a small cost. There are about 24,000 head words in the dictionary.

You will also find that there are dialectual differences as well to take into account. For many new learners of Māori they are surprised when they learn that some iwi and rohe (regions) may have a different kupu (word) or grammar or pronunciation. Don’t let this put you off, as if anything- this makes the language even more interesting and dynamic.

Like any dictionary- be aware that some words may suit some occassions and context- so just saying that you found the word in the dictionary may not be enough!