Karikao pao ngata.

“This is a shell in the sea which is hard to crack — you are a stubborn one.”

Used to describe a person who is stubborn and will not be moved from their position, comparing them to a shellfish that resists cracking open.

Kare a mango e tuku i tana kai e mate uatu.

“The shark does not give up its food, even unto death.”

Said of a person who shows great tenacity and refuses to let go of what they have set out to achieve or hold onto.

Moemoe a panako.

“The small fish that never sleeps.”

A call to stay wary, watchful, and wide awake, as a small fish must remain alert to survive among larger predators.

E tumurangi matangi ra i ua.

“A storm cloud, but no rain.”

Said of a person who promises to give or help but then forgets or fails to follow through — someone whose words cannot be trusted.

Auraka e kai mata i te vī.

“Do not eat the mango while it is still green.”

A caution against hasty action — advises patience and waiting for the right time rather than rushing something before it is ready.

Ano mai au ia ara tuitui, ia ara pukupuku ia ara ko makemakea, Nga niu kake tu ia a Tonga e a Tokerau, tana tu'itu'i ko te ka ia o tana a'i — ei ai marama no tatou e taku iti tangata.

“I came through valleys, difficult pathways, and challenging seasons; the seedling candle nuts gathered to determine the brightness of your torch — let your light shine bright for my people.”

A traditional pe'e (chant-proverb) of perseverance through hardship, calling on a person to let their gathered strength and knowledge shine as guiding light for their people.