During Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, there were alternative spellings to represent the correct pronunciation of Maori words
COLUMN: The primary aim in these columns is to provide clear explanation of the ways in which the structures of phrases and sentences in te reo Māori differs from those of English.
From time to time, however, other points of interest arise.
Over Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, there appeared in print a number of attempts to represent correct pronunciation of Māori words by offering alternative spelling.
This is understandable because the vowel-sounds in Māori words are often quite different to those in English – but it’s hardly the best way of approaching the problem.
The Māori word ko may be taken as an example.
Even excellent teachers may suggest that the vowel is pronounced similarly to the “or” in the English word “report”.
Link to article: https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/122948106/problems-in-te-reo-pronunciation
