Kia ora

Kia ora [ KiOra ] is one of the traditional greetings of the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.

The phrase has found its way into the New Zealand English, and is now a natural part of everyday language. It is both welcome and used as a farewell. Literally Kia ora approximately May you be healthy or may it go well you.

Among the Maori themselves Kia ora is also used in the sense of thank you or as an affirmative word while listening to the other.

The phrase is so popular that it is now often found in the name of a company (for example, hotels ), but also in brand names.