macrons - ngā tohutō

Macrons are available on most Microsoft Word fonts. However, if the font you have chosen does not have this function available, it is best practice to use double vowels than to leave the macron out altogether. This ensures that there is no possibility of the original word (kēkē – cake) loses its original meaning (keke – armpit).

To install macrons on a PC:

1. Click Start > General Software > Utilities > Language Support > Māori keyboard
2. Log out, then log back in (you should only have to do this once)

To type a macron on a PC:

1. Press the tilde key (~) at the top left of the keyboard
2. Release it, then type a vowel
3. Alternatively, use Insert > Symbol and choose a suitable character with a macron on top

To install macrons on a Mac:

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top left and choose System Preferences
2. Click Language & Region
3. Click Keyboard Preferences
4. Click the + icon and find Maori in the list.
5. Click Add

To type a macron on a Mac:

1. Hold down Alt / Option and then the vowel.
2. Alternatively, you can also do this in conjuction with the Shift key to type an uppercase vowel with a macron.