Last week was ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki 'Airani—Cook Islands Māori Language Week! It was celebrated from the 4th-10th of August and the theme was: ‘Ātui’ia au ki te vaka o tōku matakeinanga / connect me to the canoe of my tribe’.
Kūki 'Airani—Cook Islands
The Cook Islands, located in the South Pacific Ocean, are known for their lagoons, white-sand beaches, and lush landscapes. There are 15 islands, and Rarotonga is the most populated. The Cook Islands are a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. They enjoy a warm climate year-round and have vibrant coral reefs, making them a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. The local culture is a rich blend of Polynesian traditions, and the islands are renowned for their traditional dance, music, and art. The indigenous people of the islands are Cook Islands Māori who also make up the majority of the population. The official languages are Cook Island Māori/Rarotongan, and English. Pukapukan is also spoken, and is included in the legal definition of Cook Islands Māori. Dialects of Cook Islands Māori include Penrhyn; Rakahanga-Manihiki; the Ngaputoru dialect of Atiu, Mitiaro, and Mauke; the Aitutaki dialect; and the Mangaian dialect.
Cook Island Māori
“Kia pukuru o vaevae e kia mokora o kaki” (To have multiple legs (roots) like the breadfruit tree that holds you grounded and firm, and a neck like a duck that stretches above and below)
Speaks to having solid foundations, while being watchful and alert to changes in your surroundings.
Mei tāku ‘īmēre ‘i tuku atu ‘i mua ake... (As per my previous email…)
‘E taime ‘akaketaketa kōpapa teia (It‘s time to stretch out the body / It's gym time)
Rīngi mai iāku (Ring me)
Au ‘Oa (Friends)
Kua kaikai koe? ‘Aere mai kaikai (Have you eaten? Come and eat)
Pukapukan
Rarotonga (Lalotonga)
Hurry (Limalima)
Angry (Lili)
kāvatavata (“Noise made by snapping tongue”)
Pōiva (“Name of a deified ancestor”)
pulu (“The calf of the leg”)
Yāmatangi (“Prayer for a fair wind”)
Lulu (v. to tie up)(n. Bundle, village, group, team)(n. Name of a taro preparation)(n. Name of a bird)
The phrases and words above were found in dictionaries and different language resources such as those provided through the Ministry of Pacific Peoples website. The phrase “Kia pukuru o vaevae e kia mokora o kaki” was provided by Kheelan Thompson-Tonga, her Nena and wider whānau.
It’s important to recognise that all cultures and languages are incredibly diverse. There are different dialects within languages, and unrecognized languages and peoples. Polynesia is remarkably spread out across large and small islands and villages; there is an unimaginable amount of culture that simply can’t be fully appreciated with just words. We encourage everyone to be respectful, open minded and always keep learning <3
Māuruuru roa & Ngā Mihi,
Mauatua Fa'ara-Reynolds (she/they)
Ashleigh Putt-Fallows (she/her/ia)