Karawhiua - Give it a go: te reo tips every salty fisherman should know

Graeme Sinclair. Photo / Natalie Slade

Te Mahi Kai - the language of food - is the theme of this year's Maori Language Week. Superfisherman Graeme Sinclair from popular show Gone Fishin takes a te reo bite into five things every salty fisherman should know.

1. Te ika tuatahi, ma Tangaroa. Ka whakaaro nui te tangata mo te moana me te taha wairua, ka hoki mai he kai ki a ia.

The first fish goes back to Tangaroa. We think the first gift to the sea will bring us luck.

2. Kia ki te kete hei kai ma te whanau, ka nui tena. Whakahokia atu etahi atu ki te moana.

Take enough for a feed then put the rest back.

3. He maha nga whakaritenga. Te mahi rawe katoa ki ahau: Kaua e whiowhio i te poti (kei ara mai ko te hau).

Everyone's got a superstition. My favourite: Don't whistle on board (it brings up the wind).

4. Mau ano e to mai te ika ki a koe. Ki te tino wawata koe ki te ika ka haere mai ki a koe!

You create your own luck. If you wish it the fish will come!

5. Anei te korero mo nga puhoretanga: E hoa ma, ma wai e korero te rahi o te mea i pahuhu i te matau!

One for when you come home empty-handed: You should've seen the one that got away, mate!