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What is the maori word for guinea pig?

There is no single, universally accepted Māori word for guinea pig.

Possible options:

* Kiore: This word literally means "rat," but it is sometimes used colloquially for guinea pigs.

* Kiore mākutu: This translates to "magic rat," and is occasionally used to refer to guinea pigs, highlighting their unusual nature compared to other rodents.

* Kiore o te whenua: This translates to "land rat," which might be used to differentiate them from sea rats.

However, it's important to note that these are not official or widely accepted terms. It's more common for Māori speakers to simply use the English term "guinea pig" or a descriptive phrase like "pōkai iti" (small animal).

It's also worth considering that guinea pigs are not native to New Zealand. This is likely a factor in the lack of a specific Māori word for them.

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