'aotea' originates from Māori, specifically the elements 'ao' and 'tea', where 'ao' meant 'cloud' (also 'day' or 'world') and 'tea' meant 'white'.

'aotea' entered New Zealand English as a Māori place name and is used in English to refer to specific locations and institutions in New Zealand.

Initially it literally meant 'white cloud'; over time it has been preserved mainly as a toponym and proper name while retaining its original sense.