Famous Proverbs

famous sayings from New Zealand

Famous proverbs are part of New Zealand culture. They are also known as famous sayings, or maxims. Often, they are based on experiences, wisdom, and common sense formed into proverbs over generations. They survive generations providing guidance and wisdom to the present one.

Earth, Sea, Sky
Patricia and
Waiariki Grace

Proverbs concerning people

"Ask me what is the greatest thing in the world, Iwill reply: It is people, it is people, it is people!"

It may only be a small storm yet a successful outcome is imminent.

Survival is the treasured goal.

Let us keep close together, not far apart.

Many stars cannot be concealed by a small cloud.

A house full of people is a house full of different points of view.

A warrior dies in battle; a mountain climber on the rocks, but a farmer dies of old age.

In this world I greet my oldest survivor -- the earth.

When one chief falls, another one rises.

Who lives in a quiet house has plenty.

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Maori proverbs referring to individual qualities

Boast during the day; be humble at night.

The kumara never talks about how sweet it is.

Though my present may be small, my love goes with it.

There is more than one way to achieve an objective.

The more you ask how much longer it will take, the longer the journey will seem.

Persist as resolutely as you persist in eating.

A hand that is ready to hit may cause you great trouble.

Be quick to follow up an advantage.

Don't lean on your fellow men -- theirs is an ever moving support.

In peace be faithful; in war be valiant.

Let someone else sing your praise.

Never spend time with people who don't respect you.

Old canoes can be restored, but youth and beauty cannot.

Only the foolish visit the land of the cannibals.

The block of wood should not dictate to the carver.

The prudent embark when the sea is calm -- the rash when it's stormy.

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.

Maxims of inherited wisdom

Hold on tight to the words of your ancestors.

Famous sayings to honour the land

Land is permanent, man disappears.

What is given by the land should return to the land.

The land is a mother that never dies.

Hei Matau, smoked

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