The high standard of the Tateni Korero Māori language and culture in the Pa Enua shows the commitment to preserving and promoting their respective linguistic heritage.

This dedication to korero Māori (speech) was particularly highlighted during the recent Te Tateni Korero competition held for Rarotonga and Southern Group Islands Secondary Schools.

Participants exhibited not only their mastery for the language but also a deep cultural connection , reflecting the hight standards upheld by the community.

Apii Mangaia Year 13 student Roeda Kauvarevai was “excited” to win the new Are Ariki trophy and prizes for her robust and passionate speech based on the theme ‘You have flourished my Nation, and created a firm foundation for me and future generations’.

Kauvarevai says she felt “so special” to win first placing and was proud to represent her school and her family.

“I’m passionate about my reo, our reo, it is who I am,” she said.

“Rekareka kino au, te tumu i rekareka ia au koe oki kare au i kaimoumou te korero a taku metua tane rupe noku, oti reka au kua mata mai toku apii e pera katoa toku kereni, toku oire o Ivirua.

Kare au i manako e ka akapera rava au … na roto rae ta Te Atua ea rataki anga, kua akatae mai iaku te numreo tai.”

Te Maraurau o te Pae Api’i, Secondary school Māori advisor Ngavaevae Papatua says he was “quite impressed” with the kids from Rarotonga who spoke very well in the event.

“The standard of the Pa Enua has always been high as shown in the past competitions and that’s living proof that our language is still well and alive in those islands,” said Papatua.

He said in this Tateni Korero Māori competition Aitutaki was not as strong as they used to be.

“In Aitutaki, I’ve noticed there’s is a lot more influence of English in the community since there is more tourism, you can see these results in their kids,” he said.

Papatua says we are fortunate to have our people still living in the Pa Enua.

“They are the fortress; they are keeping our language going. If not for them we won’t have a fortress to our language thriving.

“The sad thing is that the population is declining in the Pa Enua and there will some issues later on,” he said.

“The trend now when I go to Pa Enua is I see te metua pakari (elderly), I see is there’s a lot more grandparents speaking English to their grandchildren instead of speaking Māori. I think the grandparents are looking at English as a way forward for their kids instead of Māori that’s what I see.”

In terms of the competition, Papatua was extremely happy with the level of Māori language and believes they have reached their top target. He was pleased to see a lot of young people and parents attend both night of the competition.

Kaumaiti Nui Tou Travel Ariki was pleased the Are Ariki was invited to be a sponsor of the competition.

He expressed how happy he was to be a part of the cultural event in promoting cultural heritage and was proud to see the passion for korero Māori from the students.

Te Tateni Korero 2025 results are: Year 11- 1 Heremoeroa Makakea, 2 Shekainah Tuakanakore, 3 Grace Cummings. Year 12 – 1 Tearoa Winton, 2 Arerangi Kimiora, 3 Petani College. Year 13 - 1 Roeda Kauvarevai, 2 Tuema Areai, 3 Maeva Ngametua.

Papatua acknowledged the sponsors and looks forward to the next event in 2026: Sponsors - Te Ui Ariki o te Kuki Airani, Te Marae Ora, Runanga Takere Moana (SBM), Vodafone Cook Islands, Bank of the Cook Islands BCI, ANZ, Maraurau o te Pae Apii, Te Pae Turoto, Tauranga Vananga.