A Maori greeting addressed to three or more people.
I say tena koutou, greetings to you all
Example sentencesExamples
Tena koutou to members and Mr Chairperson as we gather for this important stage of the legislation.
I would just like to say tena koutou.
I wish to begin my remarks by speaking in the official language of this country: Tena koutou!
They all stood up in here, wearing the biggest bone carvings they could, hunched up over their desks, and said: "Tena koutou, I acknowledge the Maori people in my area."
First I would like to acknowledge, as the minister did, your presence and to say simply tena koutou.
To all who have come down here today to witness this very, very important occasion, I say tena koutou.
Therefore, we support this bill and we pay our respects: tena koutou.
So, tena koutou, and I shall leave the closing address from our party to the eloquence of my colleague.
It is on that principle that I greet you here tonight—tena koutou.
I say greetings to them all—tena koutou.
Origin
Mid 19th century: Maori, literally 'there you are'.