Terse and epigramatic proverbial expressions, often based on close observation of nature, are frequently heard in the speeches delivered by Maori speakers in ceremonious oratory. The older generation delighted in the use of these whakatauki, which gave point and emphasis to an address. The following are some examples:

Te koura unuhanga roa a Tama. (The crayfish is not easily pulled out of its hole; it is difficult to dislodge a warrior from his stronghold. This was often said of tribes such as those of the Upper Wanganui, who had retreats where they were practically impregnable.)

Me he peka titoki. (Like a branch of the titoki. This tree is noted for its toughness. Used of a people difficult to conquer, or a thing hard to break.)

Maroa-nui-a-Tia, hei kona ra; haere ake tenei, to ake te papa ki te whare. (Farewell, O Maroa, I depart to my home, where I shall shut the door of my house. This is a saying attributed to the chief Uenuku-kopako, of Rotorua, many generations ago. He visited the place called Maroa, so named by Tia, the explorer; it is on the pumice hills between Atiamuri and Taupo. Uenuku was inhospitably received there and when he was going away he used these words, which have become a whakatauki, uttered in reference to a place where one has been treated badly.)

Kia ki ki te rourou iti a Haere. (Fill up my little basket with food, I go atravelling. Said of or by a man setting out on a long and hazardous expedition.)

Te tokanga nui a Noho. (The large food-basket of the Stay-at-homes. Said in contradistinction to the preceding expression. While the traveller must go on short commons, those who remain at home live in luxury. This is the name of the carved meeting-house of the NgatiManiapoto tribe at Te Kuiti.)