hikoi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (outside New Zealand), Low-Medium (within New Zealand)Formal, Political, Cultural
Quick answer
What does “hikoi” mean?
A Māori term for a walk, journey, or march, especially one with a political or protest purpose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Māori term for a walk, journey, or march, especially one with a political or protest purpose.
In New Zealand English, it refers specifically to a purposeful walk, often a long-distance protest march, typically by Indigenous Māori people to draw attention to land rights or political grievances. It carries connotations of solidarity, peaceful demonstration, and cultural assertion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is essentially unknown in general British or American English. It is a specific feature of New Zealand English. In international contexts, it would be explained or glossed.
Connotations
In NZ context: Cultural significance, protest, Indigenous rights. In UK/US context: Likely unrecognized or seen as an exotic cultural term.
Frequency
Zero frequency in standard British or American corpora. All usage is tied to NZ topics.
Grammar
How to Use “hikoi” in a Sentence
[Participant] went on a hikoi to [Location/Purpose].The hikoi [Verbal process: arrived, proceeded, reached] [Location].A hikoi was organised to protest [Issue].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hikoi” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The group will hikoi from Cape Reinga to Wellington over the summer.
- They hikoid for weeks to reach the parliament grounds.
American English
- Protestors hikoid the length of the North Island to raise awareness.
- The activists plan to hikoi across the country.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as an adverb) They travelled hikoi-style, stopping at marae along the way.
American English
- (Rarely used as an adverb) The protest moved hikoi-like, slowly but purposefully.
adjective
British English
- The hikoi movement gained national attention.
- They followed the hikoi route marked on the map.
American English
- Hikoi participants carried banners and sang songs.
- The documentary covered the hikoi phenomenon in New Zealand.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unlikely usage except in CSR reports relating to NZ Indigenous relations.
Academic
Used in anthropology, political science, and Indigenous studies papers focusing on New Zealand.
Everyday
Common in NZ news media; rare elsewhere.
Technical
No specific technical usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hikoi”
- Using it as a generic term for any walk.
- Misspelling as 'hikoy' or 'hekoi'.
- Assuming it is understood outside a NZ context without explanation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a Māori loanword fully integrated into New Zealand English. It is not part of standard international English vocabulary.
No, outside of New Zealand, it would be misunderstood. Even within NZ, it primarily retains its specific cultural and protest connotations. For a generic walk, use 'walk', 'hike', or 'trek'.
The 1975 Māori Land March (Te Matakite o Aotearoa) from the Far North to Wellington is one of the most significant historical hikoi.
In English, it is commonly pronounced /ˈhɪkɔɪ/ (HICK-oy). In Māori, the pronunciation is closer to [ˈhiːkɔi], with a longer 'i'.
A Māori term for a walk, journey, or march, especially one with a political or protest purpose.
Hikoi is usually formal, political, cultural in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To take a hikoi (to embark on a significant journey of protest or purpose).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HIghland walk (HI) with a KOI fish (KOI) as a symbol of peace—a peaceful, long-distance walk for a cause.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNEY AS PROTEST (The physical movement symbolises the movement towards justice).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hikoi' most appropriately used?