In a place-name the prefix 'wai' would usually refer to water.
It means water
In Maori, "wai" can mean water, juice, or liquid.
Ko wai tou ingoa? Who/What is your name?
water bird
Ko wai to ingoa?
Ko wai ra?
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.