The consonants

The plosives

Despite the fact that Maori plosives have generally become aspirated (presumably, though not necessarily, because of contact with English), there is variable loss of aspiration on voiceless plosives in Maori English. Figures of around 20% deaspiration are frequently cited, although this may include instances where the stop is aspirated, but not as strongly as would be the norm in other varieties of English. The discussion is sometimes focussed on /t/, where the frequent affrication in general New Zealand English may provide a confusing factor. Intervocalic /t/ is tapped as in other varieties of New Zealand English.