Epetoma te reo Maori Kūki ‘Āirani - Cook Island Language Week 2023 starts with Prayer Service

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Epetoma te reo Maori Kūki ‘Āirani - Cook Island Language Week 2023 starts with Prayer Service

This year’s theme for ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week is 'Ātuitui’ia au ki te au peu o tōku kāinga Ipukarea, which means, "connect me to the traditions & culture of my homeland".

The 2023 theme is an extension of last year's theme of ‘Ātuitui’ia au ki te Oneone o tōku ‘Ui Tupuna, or "connect me to the soil of my ancestors".  Where last year's theme was an effort to bridge the 'disconnect' that many of our Cook Islands people are feeling, this year's theme focuses on deepening our people's connection to their culture, and ultimately, their language. It focuses on connecting Cook Islanders to the traditions, cultures and dialects of their many islands.

This year the festivities started with a prayer service at the Atiu Community Hall in Auckland, with the Orometua Mata Tumu-Makara leading the service.  The event was hosted by the Cook Islands Religious Advisory Council NZ and the Cook Islands Development Agency (CIDANZ).

Cook Islands Language Week 2023 Official Opening
Cook Islands Language Week 2023 Official Opening

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.

The CPL Team enjoying the official opening - Alfie, Crystal, Alex and Meritiana.
The CPL Team enjoying the official opening - Alfie, Crystal, Alex and Meritiana.

Linda Zoll, a Cook Island Language community advocate, believes that more language programmes are needed and Language weeks like these need to be promoted widely

Linda Zoll, Ron Viviani and Mama Tupou Manapouri
Linda Zoll, Ron Viviani and Mama Tupou Manapouri

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