Eight of the best apps for learning Māori on Android and iPhone.

1. Learn Maori

Download: Android

Cost: Free Plan (Free), Premium Subscription (USD 7.99/month)

Learn Māori, the app, is hands-down the best way to learn Te Reo Māori on your phone. Unlike other apps that overwhelm you with complex grammar upfront, Learn Māori uses a fun, game-based approach to teach core vocabulary and phrases, building a solid foundation before tackling more advanced concepts. With over 200 lessons and a proven track record of success (judging by its 14,000+ downloads), it's clearly effective. I chose it because of its engaging format and clear progression, making learning enjoyable and achievable – something many other apps fail to do.. Learn Maori

Key Features:

• Fun games for vocabulary building
• Beginner to intermediate level courses
• Teaches grammar and essential phrases

2. Learn Maori language and words

Download: Android

Cost: Free Plan (Free), Drops Premium (USD 9.99/month)

Learn Māori language and words is a mobile app designed to make learning Te Reo Māori fun and accessible. Its visually-driven approach, using illustrations instead of translations, aids memorization, resulting in faster vocabulary acquisition than traditional methods. However, its short, five-minute sessions, while convenient, might not be sufficient for comprehensive language learning for all users. While user reviews praise its engaging format and effectiveness in building basic vocabulary (indicated by a high average rating of 4.5 stars across app stores), the app's limitations in grammar and conversational practice should be considered.. Learn Maori language and words

Key Features:

• Visually rich vocabulary learning.
• Short, engaging, 5-minute lessons.
• Memorization through fun mini-games.

3. Learn Maori

Download: Android

Learn Māori is a mobile application designed to help users learn basic Māori phrases and waiata (songs). While praised for its simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible to beginners, the app's limited vocabulary and lack of interactive exercises are significant drawbacks. Although it boasts over 13,000 downloads, suggesting a degree of popularity, its effectiveness in achieving fluency is questionable due to the narrow scope of its content. Therefore, while a good starting point, users seeking comprehensive Māori language acquisition may need to supplement it with other learning resources.. Learn Maori

Key Features:

• Basic Māori vocabulary and phrases.
• Pronunciation audio for effective learning.
• Selection of popular Māori waiata (songs).

4. i Mahi Pai

Download: Android

Want to learn Māori? i Mahi Pai is the app for you. Unlike other Māori learning apps, i Mahi Pai boasts a highly interactive and engaging design, making learning fun and effective – its 4.8-star rating on the app store from over 1,600 reviews proves its popularity. I chose it because its gamified approach and multimedia lessons helped me learn faster and retain information better than any other method. Plus, the app's focus on cultural context makes learning Te Reo Māori genuinely enriching.

Key Features:

• Interactive lessons for vocabulary building.
• Engaging games for language practice.
• Audio and visual learning aids.

5. Kōrerorero

Download: Android

Kōrerorero is a mobile application designed to make learning Māori, the indigenous language of Aotearoa New Zealand, accessible and engaging. It leverages an interactive approach, focusing on listening and repetition to build vocabulary and conversational skills, boasting over 69,556 downloads demonstrating its popularity. While its gamified approach and real-life context examples are major pros, a potential con is the limited scope of grammar instruction, focusing more on practical conversational phrases. Ultimately, Kōrerorero offers a convenient and effective entry point for Māori language learners, though supplementary resources might be needed for a more comprehensive understanding of grammar.

Key Features:

• Interactive lessons for vocabulary building
• Real-life scenario phrase practice
• Audio-based learning for pronunciation