# Aki

> Māori language learning app with gamified vocabulary and phrase challenges. (iPhone/iPad app by University of Otago.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aki/id906928194 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [University of Otago](https://appshunter.io/developer/303707659)
- Category: Games, Education, Word
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 6.1 · 83 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2014-11-13
- Data updated: 2026-06-03
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aki/id906928194/reviews.md

## What is Aki?

Aki - A Māori language vocabulary and phrase learning App. Paddle your waka and escape the taniwha by learning and identifying words and phrases. Finish one level with six dots, then start the next level with a whole new set of words. Once you’ve completed all four levels, play them again and challenge yourself to complete the levels in the quickest time possible with the fewest mistakes. Challenge your friends and family to play and compare their progress and achievements through Game Center.

## Key features

- Vocabulary and phrase learning
- Gamified levels and challenges
- Progress tracking
- Multiplayer challenges
- Leaderboards

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aki/id906928194/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Nothings working!

*2023-01-25, version 1.0*

Played this for a few years now recently downloaded again, I click my answers and it doesn’t work? I keep losing, is this a glitch or something?

### 4/5 — i love it but it has some bugs

*2020-06-11, version 1.0*

wont let me move up a level

### 1/5 — IPad

*2020-01-06, version 1.0*

Wanted to try the app out but it did not have an iPad version, so only supported portrait view.

### 4/5 — Good to have a way to start Te Reo Maori

*2019-12-04, version 1.0*

Been looking for apps for te reo and have struggled to find anything I’d use. There are apps for kids which are either too advanced or they use vocab aimed purely at children.
I like the first two levels of Aki. I managed to pick things up and just kept playing until the words got more reflexive. Thanks.

I’m really struggling with the verbs. I dunno if that’s because I must’ve heard some of the nouns before somewhere whereas I haven’t heard nor understood verbs before ... or if it’s just too hard, and the verbs are too long? Either way, it would help if that section could be broken into two shorter sections.
Personally, I’d like to do one section entirely using whaka- verbs.

A note to someone who said cinnamon and salt-shaker aren’t words they’d use much: actually I found each word to be very common for a kiwi kid. Cinnamon often goes on a pineapple fritter or a hot milky drink (cappuccino, hot chocolate, etc) - so you’ll want to know the word to say if you want it or not - and salt goes on most things - when you set the table you’ll be expected to know it and when someone asks you to pass the salt they’ll expect you to know - salt-shaker.

I hope they’ll keep expanding this app and/or others like it so we can all learn te reo, wherever we are.

### 5/5 — I loved this app - please add more

*2018-12-24, version 1.0*

This is a fun and engaging way of learning vocab for Te Reo Māori and there aren’t many similar apps out there. Loved every detail - animation, voice-overs, sound fx etc. only thing that could be improved is perhaps word choice, I found it an odd prioritisation (esp for the verbs). the game is very addictive so I sadly finished it within two days. Please add more levels and vocab!

### 4/5 — Fantastic start. Needs tweaking. Waka rowing too long

*2018-01-29, version 1.0*

This is a great start. 

Some feedback. 
The waka rowing is too long. After the word is selected there is a long pause (>3seconds) for every word. This breaks the flow and momentum of the game. To progress a level the user needs to respond in about 1 second. Which means 3/4s of the time in game is spent waiting for the waka rowers! It’s too long. This must be changed! And must be easy to change. 

The graphics in general are great. Especially the Taniwha With the notable exception of the waka rowers. What is with the black arms and white bodies. And weird body shape. Should be easy to tweak. 

There are too few words so that the user quickly becomes bored with the same words. More words and fewer transliteration words. Agree with what others have said - Cinnamon really??  is cinnamon in the first ten words a new learner needs to know?! 

Tapping the clouds rather than dragging them would speed up the game. And make it more intuitive and easier to play. Testing word recognition not dexterity

### 4/5 — Great app, poor application

*2015-07-30, version 1.0*

While I agree the app is extremely well put together and easy to use, I am bemused at the choice of vocab words, and how limited the selection ultimately is. 
I can't imagine a situation where the Maori word for cinnamon or salt shaker would be useful to know. 
And it can't possibly be that difficult to add further vocab sets to play through.

### 5/5 — Absolutely Fantastic

*2014-11-20, version 1.0*

This is one of those apps that you really don't come across often. Combines both visual and audio simulation in learning. I really could not believe how fast I learn these vocabulary via trial and error. Fantastic graphics, Easy to use. Have to come back to give a review when I am done with a level. :-)

### 5/5 — Great App

*2014-11-14, version 1.0*

This is a fantastic app that draws you into the Māori language in a fun and entertaining way. Challenge yourself and your friends to defeat the taniwha, moving up the leaderboard and moving up Aotearoa

## Frequently asked questions about Aki

### What is Aki?

Aki is a mobile application designed to help users learn Māori language vocabulary and phrases through a gamified experience. It features multiple levels and challenges to make learning interactive and fun.

### How does Aki teach Māori?

Aki uses a system of levels, each with a new set of words and phrases to learn. Users progress by completing levels, with options to replay them for speed and accuracy challenges.

### Can I play Aki with friends?

Yes, Aki allows you to challenge your friends and family to play and compare your progress and achievements through Game Center. This feature encourages friendly competition and shared learning.

### What devices support Aki?

Aki is currently supported on iPhone and iPod devices. It was released on November 13, 2014, and its latest version is 1.0.

### Is Aki suitable for young learners?

Aki has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young learners and children interested in the Māori language. The game-like approach is designed to be engaging for this age group.

### Does Aki have ads?

No, Aki does not contain advertisements. The app is completely free to download and use without any interruptions from ads.

### How often is Aki updated?

Aki was last updated on November 13, 2014, with version 1.0. As of its last update, it has received a perfect rating of 5.0 stars from 2 user reviews.

### What are the gameplay mechanics in Aki?

Gameplay involves navigating a 'waka' and identifying Māori words and phrases. Users complete levels by mastering vocabulary and can challenge themselves with speed and accuracy goals.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.0 — 2014-11-13

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

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All apps by University of Otago: https://appshunter.io/developer/303707659

## Related topics

[university of otago](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/university-of-otago)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-03.*