Then on Monday, an official opening ceremony was held at Manukau Institue of Technology, hosted by Mama Tupou Manapouri (MNZM,QSM) a true champion of te reo Maori Kuki Airani and the Cook Islands Teachers & Educators Collective NZ (CITECNZ).  At the outset, the challenge was issued by the Hon Keutekarakia Mataroa (Cook Islands Consul General) that all proceedings for the day be undertaken in the reo Maori Kuki Airani or a $5 fee was imposed on anyone that spoke in English. As you can imagine, this certainly set the tone for all the guest speakers including the Hon Aupito William Sio - who by time he left, had accumulated a hefty fine.  As part of the day, CIDANZ launched its publication of an ECE book - 'E Ora Moe Teia E Keri' by Janet Akai.

One of the key messages of the day, as shared by Mr Tai Richardson, Director of Languages at MPP, encouraging all those knowledge holders of the language in attendance to 'keep encouraging and teaching the younger generation' the reo.  He urges them 'not to shame or embarrass' those that are trying to speak but at times don't always get it right.  It is hard enough just trying to learn.

Linda Zoll, a Cook Island Language tutor at the Centre for Pacific Languages, believes that more language programmes are needed and Language weeks like these need to be promoted widely.  In her work, she is seeing a lot of interest from Cook Islands people from other countries wanting to learn te reo Kuki Airani.  She is getting enquiries from Australia and as far afield as Croatia.  Linda is really excited to see the growing interest in people wanting to learn the reo.  Over the last 3 years, Linda has had 1,153 learners register for her classes at the Centre for Pacific Languages.

For a calendar of activities and events please check out the Ministry of Pacific Peoples Website.  We encourage you all to embrace and celebrate the Cook Islands Language Week and check out the fun activities located near you.