This year’s theme for ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week is ‘Ātuitui’ia au ki te Oneone o tōku ‘Ui Tupuna which means, connect me to the soil of my ancestors.
‘Ātuitui’ia au ki te Oneone o tōku ‘Ui Tupuna reflects on the journey of Cook Islands peoples in New Zealand, as well as the longing of young Cook Islanders to connect with their language, culture, and identity. Acknowledging that while community elders are fundamental to the teaching and sharing of Cook Islands language, the leadership of young people as the next wave of cultural and language experts is also critical in keeping the connection to their homelands alive.
The Cook Islands and New Zealand have close ties, with frequent travel between both countries. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected many countries who rely heavily on tourism, and the Cook Islands is no exception. Once the borders reopened to tourism, Unitec’s communications senior partner Adrienne Kohler headed back to visit Aitutaki, an island about 40 minutes flight north of Rarotonga:
Kia orana!
I have visited Aitutaki many times over the past 20 years, and it still stands out as one of the most beautiful and inviting places I have ever been to. It is such a small island, a tiny dot in the vast Pacific Ocean, that you truly feel disconnected from the world for a short time, and the people of Aitutaki are so friendly and inviting. As a New Zealander, Cook Island Māori sounds so similar to New Zealand Māori, but I am often surprised at how some words differ.
Since working at Unitec, I am slowly improving my Te Reo and for Cook Islands language week, I wanted to share some images of beautiful, magical Aitutaki with you using Cook Island Māori to help me learn that as well.
Do you have stories you would like to share for Cook Island language week? We would love to hear them, so please email us at communications@unitec.ac.nz