With the Cook Islands Māori language facing extinction, this week’s ‘Epetoma o te Reo Māori’ is packed with events like speech contests and a ‘Kia Orana Day’ to promote its revitalisation.

This week observes the celebration of “Epetoma o te Reo Māori” (Māori Language Week, June 30 – July 3) – an initiative aimed at supporting the ongoing efforts to revitalise and preserve the Cook Islands Māori language.

Raemaki Karati, Te Poutoko Manava o te Reo Māori i konei i te Tauranga Vananga (language advisor at the Ministry of Cultural Development), says the week serves as a vital reminder of the urgent need to protect our Māori language, which is sadly at risk of extinction.

“Ko te akakoro’anga maata mei tei rave ia rai i teia mataiti i topa mari ra kia rave’ia tetai au angaanga no te akaepaepa’anga i to tatou reo Kuki Airani, ei ravenga i te tauturu i te au akakoroanga e rave’ia nei no te akaoraora e te taporoporo i to tatou reo Kuki Airani.

“Kare i te mea muna e kare te turanga o to tatou reo i Rarotonga nei e meitaki ana i teia tuatau. Ko te maata’anga o te au tamariki i Rarotonga nei kare ratou e ki te i te tuatua i to tatou reo, e te akamata nei teia turanga i te neke atu ki te au Pa Enua.”

In support of “Epetoma o te Reo Māori”, the Tateni Kōrero Apii Tuātai (Primary Schools Māori Speech Competition) was held at Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium) yesterday, showcasing the oratory talents of Year 6 to Year 8 students from primary schools around Rarotonga. MELINA ETCHES/25063007

Karati acknowledged that it is no secret the Cook Islands language is in a fragile state, with many children in Rarotonga now speaking only English and unable to speak their own language – a trend that is also beginning to affect the Pa Enua (outer islands).

Yesterday, the Tateni Kōrero Apii Tuātai (Primary Schools Māori Speech Competition) was held at Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium), showcasing the oratory talents of Year 6 to Year 8 students from primary schools across Rarotonga.

This year’s competition centred around the powerful theme: “Tupuanga ruperupe to'ou e taku Ipukarea, tango ketaketa ia noku e te uki o apōpō” (You have flourished my nation and set a firm foundation for me and future generations).

A total of 11 students participated, 10 girls and just one boy, a fact that long-time judge and cultural advocate George George found concerning.

“I’m disappointed. It doesn’t reflect too well on us,” said George. “If we want to see Cook Islanders in the future, it’s a dark cloud over our men.”

Despite the gender imbalance, George praised the high standard of the speeches, calling the judging process “tough” due to the exceptional calibre of the students.

“They were very good. I’ve been a judge for a long time and I felt so proud watching these kids on stage.”

Pictured at the 2025 “Epetoma o te Reo Māori” (Māori Language Week, June 30 – July 3) speech competition is one of the judges George George (left) with Anjima Ruarau - Apii Takitumu cultural teacher, students and Maui Joseph, Apii Takitumu principal. MELINA ETCHES/25063024

Terā-’itirere-ki-Avaiki Rongo, representing Apii Avarua, took out first place with a heartfelt speech urging Cook Islanders to embrace their Māori identity over foreign influences.

“E kotou mā, te papa’a uatu nei tātou,” she declared, calling on her people to be proud of who they are.

Rongo admitted she was surprised by the win.

“For me, it wasn’t about winning, it was about getting my message out there,” she said.

Initially, only one participant from each school would be included in the competition. The judges, including George George, Orometua Une and Ngavaevae Papatua from Te Maraurau O te Pae Api’i (Ministry of Education), were so impressed that they made the rare decision to allow an additional participant to be included.

Hinamoana Olah, a Year 6 student from Apii Takitumu who placed second, said: “I felt scared, but also confident. I’m really happy - I enjoyed it.”

Her schoolmate Ana-Nui Wichman also delivered a strong performance.

“I was so scared,” she shared, “but I enjoyed saying my own speech on stage. I speak Māori at school and at home.”

Their cultural teacher, Anjima Ruarau, expressed joy and pride at the results.

“I was overwhelmed that both girls placed in the top three. We were only allowed one participant officially, but the judges allowed another to join. I had confidence in both of them, and I’m so happy with how they did.”

Nena Moeroa from Apii Nikao on stage at the “Epetoma o te Reo Māori”, the Tateni Kōrero Apii Tuātai (Primary Schools Māori Speech Competition). MELINA ETCHES/25063019

The participants in the 2025 Apii Tuatai Tatini Korero were: Moana Vogel – Apii Titikaveka, Nena Moeroa – Apii Nikao, Tuan Kauvarevai – Apii Arorangi, Terā-'itirere-ki-Avaiki Rongo – Apii Avarua, Ana-Nui Wichman – Apii Takitumu, Inano Urirau – Apii Te Uki Ou, Moeroa Tataio Apii Rutaki. Extra participants Paula Jane Pepe – Apii Titikaveka, Hinamoana Olah – Apii Takitumu, Tamangaro Pana – Apii Nikao and Loumaine Mokoha – Apii Rutaki.

Apii Avarua’s delightful ECE (early childhood education) classes entertained the audience with their wonderful cultural performances.

This week’s programme follows the same format as last year, and once again Tauranga Vananga is calling on the support of all schools in Rarotonga, youth organisations, government ministries and departments, and the private sector to get behind this important event – an effort aimed at supporting those working to save our language.

Apii Avarua’s delightful ECE classes entertain the audience with their wonderful cultural performances. MELINA ETCHES/25063008

Ko te Porokaramu no teia mataiti aite rai ki te mataiti i topa. No reira te pati akaou iatu nei ta kotou turu, tate au Apii, i te akatupu’anga i teia akakoro’anga. No tatou katoatoa te anoano note akaoraora e te taporoporo i to tatou reo e ko tatou katoatoa rave kapiti ei i te au angaanga no teia Epetoma o te Reo e tupu ei te reira mate tiratiratu e te manea.

Ruirua (today Tuesday), starting at 12 noon will be the Tarere Pee e te tatau Purua (Poetry) na te au Apii Tuarua (Chant and Poetry Competition for Secondary Schools) at Te Are Karioi Nui.

Ruitoru (tomorrow Wednesday) at 12 noon – Tarere tutu ripine teata na te katoatoa (Tik Tok Media Clips). Tuera ki tetai uatu tangata me kore putuputu’anga/open to anybody.

Paraparau (Thursday) – “Ra o te Reo Māori” - Ko te ra teia te ka kapikiia e ko te ra Kia Orana no te akamaara’anga e te akaepaepa’anga teia i totatou reo Kuki Airani e te aere nei te patianga kia tatou katoatoa, te au Minitiri o te Kavamani, te au apii, te au pitiniti, tatou katoatoa kia rave i ta tatou au tuanga no te akamaara’anga e te akaepaepa’anga i to tatou reo.

According to Karati, this Thursday will be celebrated as Kia Orana Day. Cook Islanders in government departments, schools and private businesses are urged to participate by speaking only in the Cook Islands language on this day.

Te Imene Akateni – Na te au Minitiri/Ngai angaanga i roto i te Kavamani – a String Band Competition for government departments or ministries will be held at Te Karioi Nui on Thursday.