Tereora College empowers students to embrace their culture by encouraging participation in the school's Cook Islands Maori junior programme.

This Term, Year 10 students will focus on traditional practices, where they are exposed to their cultural roots through hands-on experiences and reflective learning.

Kathy George-Nubono, head of Tereora’s Cook Islands Maori programme says this is the third year they have implemented the junior programme, with the aim of empowering and encouraging our students to embrace their culture.

 “At Apii Tereora, we actively promote cultural engagement and host two major cultural events each year to inspire the love for the Reo Maori.”

Though Tereora College strongly keeps the Cook Island culture alive and running, she says it is worth noting that many students seem to have less local knowledge, as most grew up learning the European way of living, especially with language.

 “The reality is that many of our students arrive at Tereora fluent in English, but with limited knowledge of Māori.

“This programme is our way of engaging them in meaningful cultural activities that bring the language to life, rather than relying solely on traditional learning.”

Tereora College held the third session of Junior Peu Maori Programme last week Friday under the theme, Peu Rangaranga (traditional weaving and crafting).

The class focused on Peu Rangaranga, each student was required to create three items, which were a moenga kikau (coconut leaves mat) a raurau (woven food platter) and a poro kikau (coconut leaves woven ball).

“The lesson was highly engaging, with students interacting positively and showing great enthusiasm throughout the weaving activity.” Teacher Nubono said.

In week 3, a year 10 class with teacher Lotiola Mateariki, completed their Peu Tunu Kai (traditional cooking) session, where they prepared traditional dishes including ika mata, pai meika and rukau.

The year 10 students will be engaging in a cultural exploration programme centered on Peu Maori (Traditional practices of the Cook Islands) for this term- Term 2.

The sub-Topics for this term include, traditional dancing, cooking, weaving and crafting, traditional fishing skills, hymns and songs and games. Principal Heather Gorrie says the school’s aim is to ensure all students have the opportunity to engage in the Cook Island culture as a holistic living experience beyond just teaching the language.