Cook Islands Language Week
Cook Islands Language
Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, the language of the Cook Islands, is a vital link to the identity, cultural knowledge, and heritage of Cook Islands Māori people.
With over 80% of Cook Islanders now living in Aotearoa, the language’s survival depends on revitalisation efforts here rather than in the islands.
Despite its deep cultural significance expressed through traditional songs, prayers, stories, and customs, only around 7% of New Zealand-born Cook Islands children can speak the language. Classified as vulnerable by UNESCO, Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani faces rapid decline without accessible pathways for young learners. Strengthening the language in Aotearoa is essential to preserving cultural identity and ensuring future generations stay connected to their roots, values, and the rich traditions of the Cook Islands.
Common Cook Islands Words
In this video you will learn Common Cook Islands words that you can use every day.
You can learn words like, ‘Aere mai’ which means ‘Come’ or ‘Pongi’ which means ‘Hungry’ and many more.
Common Cook Islands Phrases
In our second Cook Islands language video we bring you ‘Common Cook Islands Phrases’.
In this video, you have access to over 15 common phrases that you can use in everyday conversations.
Learn phrases like ‘Meitaki ‘au au’ which means ‘I’m good thankyou’ or ‘Aere mai kaikai’ which means ‘Come and eat’, and many more.
The Lord’s Prayer in Cooks Islands
At Pacific Learners Education, we are passionate about providing content that enriches the cultural journey of our Pacific children. In this video, we give you the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ in Cook Islands.
Cook Islands words for items at the supermarket
As we continue to build our Cook Islands language video series, we give you ‘Cook Islands words for items at the supermarket’.
Items like ‘Varaoa’ which means ‘Bread’ or ‘Moa’ which means ‘Chicken’ and many more.
Cook Islands words shapes and colours
As we continue to build our Cook Islands language video series, we give you ‘Cook Island words for shapes and colours’.
Use them in a sentence like ‘The sky this evening looks bright Makara’ or ‘Your necklace looks great, especially the Tatauro’.
Cook Islands words for things at school
This video is great for our children, being able to use Cook Islands words for things that we see at school can really support our children in their language journey
You can use words like ‘Peni’ instead of ‘Pen’, or ‘Puka’ instead of ‘Book’, and many more.
Cook Islands words for Family
When learnnig a new language, it is important to start with the basics, so in this video, we bring you ‘Cook Islands words for Family’.
You can learn words like ‘Metuavaine’ which means ‘Mother’ or ‘Akametua Tane’ which means ‘Uncle’ and many more