A Dictionary of Maori Words in New Zealand English is the first lexical monograph from the research undertaken at the New Zealand Dictionary Centre. New Zealand possesses a relatively young and certainly vibrant variety of English. The influence of Te Reo Maori and the presence of Maori words make a significant contribution to that lexical vitality. Maori words began to enter English in 1769 with the arrival of James Cook and H.M.S. Endeavour. They continue to do so today, with an estimated six words out of every thousand in written and spoken New Zealand English being of Maori origin. These words include the names of flora and fauna, aspects of material and social culture, and new creations, as well as place and personal names.

This dictionary presents a comprehensive picture of that presence in New Zealand English, and provides a lively vignette of New Zealand society through the citations accompanying many of the words.