1. Village or Settlement: This is the most common meaning of "kainga". It refers to a place where people live and build their homes, often with a sense of community and shared history.
2. Home: "Kainga" can also refer to a person's home or place of origin, often with a strong emotional connection. It emphasizes a sense of belonging and identity.
3. Family: The word can also represent a family or extended family, highlighting the close-knit relationships and shared lineage.
4. Land: "Kainga" can sometimes refer to a specific piece of land, especially one with cultural or historical significance to a particular group of people.
5. Community: More broadly, "kainga" can signify a community, embodying the shared values, traditions, and aspirations of its members.
In essence, "kainga" encompasses a wide range of meanings, all tied to the concepts of place, belonging, and connection. It represents a sense of community, identity, and deep cultural significance within Māori culture.