Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • proper noun obsolete The North Island of New Zealand.
  • proper noun New Zealand.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Maori Aotearoa ("long white cloud; North Island; New Zealand"), possibly from ao ("cloud, daytime, world") + tea ("white") + roa ("long, tall"); often translated as "the land of the long white cloud". Assuming this, is probably a reference to the appearance of mountainous land when seen on the horizon from a canoe after an ocean voyage. Originally was in reference to the North Island only. The first recorded mention of Aotearoa as a name for New Zealand as a whole was in 1898 in The Long White Cloud Ao-tea-roa by William Pember Reeves.

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Examples

  • (Aotearoa is the Maori word for New Zealand.) “We feel we have emerged into the light after three years of struggle.”

    My Drug Problem 2009

  • So, concerns about a possible tsunami in Aotearoa aside, my day began with fears and thoughts of people I think of as my familiars.

    Archive 2009-09-01 Another Outspoken Female 2009

  • (Aotearoa is the Maori word for New Zealand.) “We feel we have emerged into the light after three years of struggle.”

    My Drug Problem 2009

  • So, concerns about a possible tsunami in Aotearoa aside, my day began with fears and thoughts of people I think of as my familiars.

    unexpected pleasures Another Outspoken Female 2009

  • Quoting what Tai_Nga said, “Go Mr Bainimarama alot of maori support your views Kia kaha” … ummm sori as Native Fijians living in Aotearoa we beg to differ with your views.

    Global Voices in English » Bloggers react to NZ Maori Party’s proposed trip to Fiji 2009

  • If my ex in Aotearoa were single, I could probably make something happen.

    Balloon Juice » Blog Archive » John +12 Speaks 2008

  • I've been living in Aotearoa (New Zealand) for 5 years now and a couple of years ago Wells Fargo started charging the 3% foreign currency transaction fee. 3% can add up to a lot of money if you're traveling abroad, especially when you add on Wells Fargo's $5 foreign ATM fee on top of it.

    Boing Boing 2007

  • In three weeks I will be in New Zealand, called Aotearoa, the "land of the long white cloud," speaking at the Eucharistic Convention about King Louis XVI, Queen Marie-Antoinette and their family.

    Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette Down Under elena maria vidal 2009

  • In three weeks I will be in New Zealand, called Aotearoa, the "land of the long white cloud," speaking at the Eucharistic Convention about King Louis XVI, Queen Marie-Antoinette and their family.

    Archive 2009-03-01 elena maria vidal 2009

  • The Maori Party stands to share in the collective sorrow of this House as we pay our respects for the people of Poland in their own homeland, and the many who have come to call Aotearoa home.

    NZ On Screen 2010

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  • The name of a poem by a long lost friend, Ulf Wiman.

    June 27, 2010