What is the local name for New Zealand?

In the local language, New Zealand is called Aotearoa. Pronounced: Aotearoa = AH-oh-teh-ah-ROH-ah (Māori)

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How to Pronounce New Zealand

Q: How do you pronounce New Zealand?

New Zealand is pronounced nyoo ZEE-lund (/ˌnjuː ˈziːlənd/). nyoo ZEE-lund — the Māori name Aotearoa (AH-oh-teh-ah-ROH-ah) is increasingly used alongside the English name.

nyoo ZEE-lund

/ˌnjuː ˈziːlənd/

Syllable Breakdown

nyooZEElund

nyoo ZEE-lund — the Māori name Aotearoa (AH-oh-teh-ah-ROH-ah) is increasingly used alongside the English name.

How Locals Say It

Aotearoa

Aotearoa = AH-oh-teh-ah-ROH-ah (Māori)

Common Mistakes

nyoo ZEE-landNEW zee-LAND

Fun Fact About the Name

New Zealand's Māori name is Aotearoa (AH-oh-teh-ah-ROH-ah), meaning 'land of the long white cloud.' Their football side, the All Whites, are the underdogs' underdogs — they've never lost a World Cup group stage match (but only played in two groups).

New Zealand at World Cup 2026

New Zealand competes in the OFC confederation.

View New Zealand squad analysis →