Māori Grammar

In order to … — kia … ai …

This construction expresses purpose: an action is carried out so that a further action or state may occur. It corresponds to English in order to, so that, that … might / should.

Form:

• kia appears immediately before the verb in the purpose clause.

• ai appears immediately after that verb, anchoring the clause to the preceding action.

• The verb may be active or passive, depending on meaning.

• The subject of the purpose clause is usually recoverable from context and is often omitted.

This is a standard, productive construction in formal and careful M`aori and is well attested in classical texts and modern grammar descriptions.

Examples

Karangatia ngā tāngata katoa kia kī ai tōku whare.
Call all the people so that my house will be full.

Ka whakatūria te rama ki runga ki te tūrangā kia kitea ai te mārama e te hunga e tomo ana. The lamp is put on a stand so that the light may be seen by those who enter.

I mahia tēnei mea e rātou kia rite ai ngā whakahau a te āpiha.
They did this so that the officer’s orders would be complied with.

I noho puku ia kia rangona ai ngā kōrero katoa.
He stayed silent so that all the discussions could be heard.

Ka whakatuwheratia te matapihi kia uru ai te hau hou.
The window was opened so that fresh air could come in.

I tere haere mātou kia tae ai mātou i mua i te pō.
We travelled quickly in order to arrive before nightfall.

Note:
Without ai, kia commonly expresses intention, desire, or future orientation (kia haere au “that I go / so that I go”), but kia … ai specifically marks a reasoned purpose linked to a prior action.