A new Māori word has been invented for the term 'selfie'.

Photo: Twitter / @TaikaWaititi

Film director Taika Waititi inspired a competition to find the best Māori word for selfie, ahead of the premiere of his new film Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

The winning word, matatahi, was chosen by Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Māori.

When broken down, mata means face and tahi means one.

Dozens of entries were submitted, however Ua'i Hetet Tainefu had the crowning idea.

News website TangataWhenua, which hosted the competition earlier this month, said ahau-ii was one popular alternative option.

However, Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Māori said matatahi was easy to pronounce and had the best Māori authenticity.