matai

/ ˈmɑːtaɪ /

noun

1. a coniferous evergreen tree of New Zealand, Podocarpus spicatus, having a bluish bark and small linear leaves arranged in two rows: timber used for flooring and weatherboards Also calledblack pine

Word History and Origins

Origin of matai¹

Māori

Example Sentences

In Samoa, only a matai - a family or clan leader - can be elected to parliament.

From BBC

Mataafa said there were ongoing impediments to female participation in politics such as the practice by some villages to deny women chiefly titles, called matai, which is a prerequisite for entering parliament.

From Reuters

All Matamata’s victims said they were too scared to complain about their treatment, given Matamata’s matai or chiefly status, which commanded absolute obedience.

From The Guardian

His victims, who were all Samoan, were too scared to alert the authorities because of his status as a matai or chief, the court heard.

From BBC

All of Matamata’s victims said they were too scared to complain about their treatment, given Matamata’s matai or chiefly status, which commanded absolute obedience.

From The Guardian