As part of this week’s ‘Epetoma o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week’, celebrated from June 30 to July 3, secondary students on Rarotonga showcased their talent, passion and pride in the Tarere Pe’e e te Tatau Purua – a Chant and Poetry Competition – held yesterday at Te Are Karioi Nui/National Auditorium.

The event, coordinated by Tauranga Vananga/Ministry of Cultural Development and led by Raemaki Karati, Poutoko Manava o te Reo Māori (language advisor), focused on compositions inspired by this year’s Te Maeva Nui 60^th anniversary theme.

The theme for this year’s event is: “Tupuanga ruperupe toou e taku Ipukarea, e tango ketaketa ia noku e no te uki apopo. Ka maeva akarangiia toou tupuanga, ma te vaerua tiratiratu, te ngakau okotai e te akaaka – You have flourished my Nation and created a firm foundation for me and future generations. Rejoice and celebrate your successes with honour, unity and humility.”

In the purua (poetry) category, open to female students only, each participant was required to compose and deliver a poem in Māori, reflecting on this year’s national theme or celebrating Cook Islands language and culture.

Taking out first place was 15-year-old Terii Tuakana of Tereora College (Year 10), whose compelling piece focused on her “ipukarea” (homeland).

“I want to help my culture grow,” said Tuakana. “I’m very grateful to have done well – I was so happy. All blessings go to the Lord.”

Charlee Puna, aged 13 and in Year 9 at Tereora College, placed second for her heartfelt purua honouring the late Papa Arapati Henry, the nation’s first Premier.

“I’m glad I got placed and would just like to thank my parents and family for their support,” Puna shared.

Another standout was Manuarii Teatai, 15, of Tereora College, who placed third for her eloquently delivered purua.

“Na runga taku purua i tō tātou Ipukarea, taeanga ki te onongauru anga mataiti.”

In the pe’e (chant) section for male students, competitors were tasked with composing and performing chants tied to the national theme or highlighting traditional culture and language.

The judges, George George, Orometua Metu Une and Vae Papatua, found it impossible to separate the top two performances, awarding an equal first place to William Ahiao (Tereora College, Year 10) and Tangiia Tupuna (Titikaveka College, Year 9). Both earned 161 points each.

Ngataeina Taokia (Titikaveka College, Year 10) placed second, while Te King Kae (Tereora College, Year 9) secured third place.

List of participants: Etura Nia – Tereora (Year 10), Adriana Briante – Titikaveka (Year 9), Kimiora Patai – Tereora (Year 9), Ngataeina Taokia – Titikaveka (Year 10), Lurlin Rimamotu – Tereora (Year 10), William Ahiao – Tereora (Year 10), Charlee Puna – Tereora (Year 9), Te Kingi Kae – Tereora (Year 9), Manuarii Teatai – Tereora (Year 10), Talia Tapuni – Tereora (Year 9), Anne Maoate – Titikaveka (Year 10), Tangiia Tupuna – Titikaveka (Year 9), Terii Tuakana – Tereora (Year 10).

Two representatives, one male and one female, were encouraged to participate from each school.

The Tarere Tutu Ripine Teata (TikTok Video Clip Competition) is now open to all ages and organisations. Videos must be 2–3 minutes long, voiced in Cook Islands Māori and creatively express the festival theme.

The Ra Kia Orana Day – a day to honour and celebrate the Cook Islands language – will be held tomorrow. All Cook Islanders are encouraged to speak only in Reo Māori throughout the day. The Imene Akateni (String Band Competition) will be held at Te Are Karioi Nui, featuring performances from government ministries and departments, further highlighting the importance of keeping traditional forms of expression alive.