In Maori, "wai" can mean water, juice, or liquid.
"Ko wai tou ingoa" means "What is your name?" in Maori.
In a place-name the prefix 'wai' would usually refer to water.
Ko wai ra?
The phrase "What is your name?" in Maori is "Ko wai to ingoa?"
The most common way of saying "Who is that?" in Maori is "Ko wai tena?" macron on the "e" in tena.
Wai Pounamu
Ko wai to ingoa? Means 'What is your name?'
The Maori word for South Island is Te Waipounamu.
Wai Wai Nui Mean
Waiwera - Wai= water wera = hot
Te Wai Pounamu is a Maori name for the Island now commonly known as the South Island.