An expert in New Zealand English says the language is picking up more reo Maori.
Canterbury University head of linguistics Jeanette King says Pakeha are using Maori words more often because of what they learnt from school and the wider society.
She told Waatea News that means specific words are crossing over.
Professor King said most of the print media no longer put English meanings in brackets next to common Maori words, which shows most New Zealanders know what those words mean.
