Realm Languages of New Zealand
Learn Cook Islands Māori, Niuean & Tokelauan
What is the Realm of New Zealand and which countries and territories are part of it?
The Realm of New Zealand is a constitutional term that describes the group of countries and territories that share the same monarch as Head of State and maintain a formal legal and political relationship with New Zealand.
It includes:
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New Zealand — a fully sovereign country.
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Cook Islands — a self-governing country in free association with New Zealand. It manages its own internal affairs, while New Zealand supports aspects of defence and foreign relations at the Cook Islands’ request.
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Niue — also a self-governing country in free association with New Zealand, with similar arrangements for defence and international representation.
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Tokelau — a non-self-governing territory administered by New Zealand.
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Ross Dependency (Antarctica) — a territorial claim administered by New Zealand, with no permanent population.
Together, these form the Realm of New Zealand, reflecting a shared constitutional link rather than a single nation-state. This is why languages such as Cook Islands Māori, Niuean, and Tokelauan are often referred to as the Realm languages of New Zealand — they come from nations and territories that are part of this wider constitutional realm.
Realm Language Videos
The Realm Languages of New Zealand, Cook Islands Māori, Niuean, and Tokelauan, are an important part of Aotearoa’s Pacific cultural and educational landscape.
At Pacific Learners, we provide high-quality, animated language videos and structured online learning pathways to help students, families, and educators learn Cook Islands Māori, learn Niuean, and learn Tokelauan with confidence.
Our Realm Languages Learning Hub features Level 1 to Level 3 video lessons, designed to support beginners through to developing speakers, alongside downloadable learning resources, worksheets, and visual guides that make Pacific language learning accessible both in the classroom and at home.
Whether you’re a school, community group, or independent learner, Pacific Learners offers a trusted online platform to explore and strengthen the Realm languages of New Zealand.
