1. The spring (of water): This is the most common meaning. "Puna" refers to a natural spring of water, and "Te puna" can be a specific spring with a name.
2. The source (figurative): "Te puna" can also be used figuratively to refer to the source of something, like the origin of a tradition or an idea.
3. The foundation: In some contexts, "te puna" can mean "the foundation," like the base of a building or the bedrock of a society.
4. The heart (figurative): "Te puna" can be used metaphorically to refer to the heart, especially in the context of emotions or feelings.
To understand the specific meaning of "te puna" in a given context, you need to look at the surrounding words and phrases.
For example:
* Te puna o te wai: This translates to "the spring of water."
* Te puna o te reo Māori: This means "the source of the Māori language."
* Te puna o te whānau: This can be interpreted as "the foundation of the family."
Remember that "te" is the definite article in Māori, meaning "the." So "te puna" always refers to a specific "puna."