Here's a breakdown:
* Tau: This means "generation" or "time period."
* Iwi: This means "tribe" or "people."
Combined, "Tau iwi" means "generation of a tribe/people" or "the time of a tribe/people."
It often refers to the historical period or lineage of a particular tribe. It can be used to describe:
* A specific era in a tribe's history: "The tau iwi of our ancestors" refers to the time period when their ancestors lived.
* The ongoing legacy of a tribe: "The tau iwi of Ngāti Kahungunu" refers to the historical and cultural legacy of that tribe.
* The collective identity of a tribe: "We are part of the tau iwi of Te Arawa" expresses a sense of belonging and shared history.
Therefore, "Tau iwi" is more than just a literal translation. It conveys a sense of historical continuity, shared identity, and the ongoing journey of a tribe through time.