Te Epetoma o te Reo Kūki ‘Āirani Māori – Cook Islands Māori Language Week – came to a lively close on Thursday, with spirited Tarere Imene Akateni (string band competition) performances lighting up the stage at Te Are Kariori Nui.

Hosted by Tauranga Vananga (Ministry of Cultural Development), the event brought together three performing teams from government ministries.

While turnout was limited, the energetic and heartfelt performances captivated the small but appreciative audience.

Claiming first place and a $1000 cash prize was the vibrant group Te Rotianga o te Au Mapu, who edged out last year’s champions, the all-female teacher ensemble Te Matakura Strings from Apii Avarua, who took second place and $800. The third place went to the enthusiastic Te Tango Tutara o te Ture team from the Ministry of Justice, receiving $600.

Anjima Ruarau, leader of the winning team, shared that the song they performed was an original composition created by her and her husband in celebration of Reo Māori Week.

“We’re just a small group of passionate cultural artists and a string band – not an official ministry team – so I’m truly grateful to Maki Karati for giving us the opportunity to participate,” said Ruarau. “We were lucky to be included, especially since it came down to only three groups.”

While delighted with the outcome, Ruarau also expressed her disappointment over the lack of support and participation from the wider community.

“It’s really disheartening to see so little engagement. But I’m proud that many of us came from different ministries and still showed up to support the cause.”

Raemaki Karati, Poutoko Manava o te Reo Māori (language advisor), echoed those sentiments, expressing his disappointment in the minimal involvement from government departments.

However, he praised those who did participate for their enthusiasm and cultural spirit.

Karati also extended sincere gratitude to New Zealand high commissioner Catherine Graham whose support and sponsorship for all the cash prizes made the week’s events possible.

“Without their backing and belief in the importance of our language, this celebration wouldn’t have been the same,” he said.

In her address, Graham made a striking opening by speaking in Māori: “Kia akameitaki ia, te Atua Mana, no teia tika’anga, kia aravei tātou. Ki te kuru pou toru – Te Mana Enua, Te Mana Evangelia, e te Mana Ture. Kia orana, Tōku reo, tōku māna,” giving thanks for the occasion and acknowledging the pillars of the land, the church and the law.

She said it was a true honour to stand before the gathering and officially close the celebration.

Graham praised the participants for their enthusiasm and commitment to celebrating and preserving the Māori language of the Cook Islands, which she described as the “heartbeat” of the nation’s identity, stories, music and heritage.

“Cook Islands Māori is undoubtedly a treasure,” she said, “one that connects people to their past and guides them into the future. Every time you speak it, you honour your ancestors and carry their wisdom and love forward.”

Reflecting on the week-long celebrations, Graham acknowledged Tauranga Vananga for its dedicated efforts to revitalise and preserve the language through a meaningful and engaging programme of events.

Graham also drew parallels with New Zealand’s journey to revitalise Te Reo Māori, noting it as a shared responsibility under te Tiriti o Waitangi. She said New Zealanders, both Māori and non-Māori, are embracing this path, and proudly support the Cook Islands in doing the same.

“Given the deep and enduring kinship between our countries, uplifting the mana of Cook Islands Māori also uplifts the mana of New Zealand te reo Māori.”

The wonderful Apii Avarua junior students delighted the audience once again with their strong cultural performances.