Takatāpui is a Māori word that today means a Māori person with diverse genders, sexualities or sex characteristics. Its traditional meaning is “close or intimate friend of the same gender”, and Te Aka Māori Dictionary also gives “gay, lesbian, homosexual”. Many people use it as an umbrella identity that holds both their Māori whakapapa and their rainbow identity.
This guide covers what takatāpui means, where the word comes from, and how to use it respectfully. Checked 9 November 2026.
What the dictionary says
Te Aka Māori Dictionary gives three meanings:
- (modifier) close friend, intimate friend
- (noun) close friend of the same gender, intimate friend of the same gender
- (noun) lesbian, gay, homosexual; gay men and women
Where the word comes from
The best-known historical use is in the story of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai from Rotorua. In Wiremu Maihi Te Rangikāheke’s version, Tūtānekai has a close companion named Tiki, described as his hoa takatāpui. Te Aka’s own example sentence describes the two as spiritually close, like older and younger brothers.
Scholar Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, whose PhD research focused on takatāpui identity, argues that pre-colonial Māori openly accepted gender and sexual fluidity, and that takatāpui were part of the whānau rather than shunned. In her research she analysed around 150 whakataukī (proverbs) and found references she reads as same-sex relationships.
How takatāpui is used today
Since the 1980s, takatāpui has been reclaimed as an identity. People use it in different ways:
- as an umbrella term for Māori who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or of other diverse genders and sexualities
- as a way to put culture first: being takatāpui connects rainbow identity to whakapapa, whānau and tikanga
- alongside other Māori terms, such as irawhiti (often used for transgender people) and ira tāne or ira wahine
Services and organisations often write “takatāpui and rainbow” to include Māori who use takatāpui as well as people who use other words.
Takatāpui, rainbow and MVPFAFF+
| Term | Origin | Used by |
|---|---|---|
| Takatāpui | Te reo Māori | Māori with diverse genders, sexualities and sex characteristics |
| MVPFAFF+ | Pacific languages (mahu, vakasalewalewa, palopa, fa’afafine, akava’ine, fakaleiti/leiti, fakafifine and more) | Pacific peoples with diverse genders and sexualities |
| Rainbow | English | A common umbrella term in Aotearoa for LGBTQIA+ people |
See our full rainbow glossary for more terms.
Using the word respectfully
- It is a self-identity. Use takatāpui for someone only if they use it for themselves.
- It is Māori-specific. Non-Māori rainbow people usually do not describe themselves as takatāpui.
- Say it properly. It is pronounced tah-kah-TAH-poo-ee, with a long ā.
- Organisations: writing “takatāpui and rainbow” in your materials signals that Māori rainbow people are welcome.
Where to learn more and find support
- Takatāpui.nz: a resource hub for takatāpui and their whānau
- OutLine Aotearoa: support for takatāpui, MVPFAFF+ and rainbow communities, 0800 688 5463 (6pm–9pm daily)
- Our list of rainbow support services in New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
Does takatāpui mean gay?
One dictionary meaning is gay or homosexual, but most people now use it more widely, for any Māori person with diverse genders or sexualities.
Can a non-Māori person be takatāpui?
Generally no. The word is tied to Māori identity and whakapapa.
What is the plural of takatāpui?
Te reo Māori nouns don’t add “s”, so it is “takatāpui” for one or many.
Sources
- Te Aka Māori Dictionary: takatāpui
- Rotorua Daily Post: Elizabeth Kerekere speaks on takatāpui (2 October 2017)
- Takatāpui.nz
Checked 9 November 2026.
