Secondary school students from the islands of Enuamanu Atiu, Akatokamanava Mauke, Au’au Mangaia, Nukuroa Mitiaro and Rarotonga, competed in the Tateni Kōrero (Māori Speech competition) this week at Te Are Karioi Nui.

Year 9 students focused on the theme of Tiaki Kua kite au i toku turanga e Avaiki toku (I know who I am, I have a homeland), while the Year 10 students based their speech on the theme of Te Tumu e Akaruku nei te au mapu i to tatou Ipukarea.

Apii Nukuroa Year 9 student Makiroa Patia (14) who was proud to win first place in her division said she was nervous on stage.

Patia who felt quite emotional speaking to an audience said, “But, I made it and got through my speech about my natura homeland and I.”

Patia was born in Rarotonga to parents Matapakia and Geresoma Nootai, but raised in Nukuroa by her adoptive parents Teremoana Patia and her late mother Shirley Patia.

Her Korero introduction stated: “Makenu te one kura o Avaiki, I te vee anga o te rangi, Te enua, E te moana ma to ratou tini Atua, Tupu mai ei au, Ki  taku pito rnua, Ko toku ia, Avaiki…”

Apii Nukuroa teacher Teremoana Teuira Pukeiti who accompanied their students to the biennial competition for the third time was proud to see Patia overcome her fear of speaking in public peak stepping onto the stage and winning with her speech.

“Our students have won this trophy for the third time, and we want to keep achieving more,” said Pukeiti.

The Apii Nukuroa previous winners were - 2021 Arerangi Kimiora and 2023 Vincent Tua, and 2025.

The Year 9 results are: 1 Apii Nukuroa – Makiroa Patia, 2 Apii Enuamanu – Matamanea Atarenga, 3 Apii Mauke - Lucia Tararo. The participants were: Apii Mangaia – Amelia Pekepo, Apii Araura - Viriama Manuela, Apii Mauke - Lucia Tararo, Apii Titikaveka – Inangaro Matangaro, Apii Enuamanu – Matamanea Atarenga, Apii Tereora - Charlee Puna, Apii Nukuroa – Makiroa Patia, Apii Papaaroa – Metuavaine Murare. The Year 10 results are: 1 Apii Mauke – Joseph Moetaua, 2 Apii Nukuroa – Agnes Pouao, 3 Apii Enuamanu – Ngametua Rairoa. The participants were: Apii Papaaroa – Teina Murare, Apii Nukuroa – Agnes Pouao, Apii Tereora – Manuarii Teatai, Apii Enuamanu – Ngametua Rairoa , Apii Araura – Nia Nati, Apii Mangaia – Jumano Taramai, Apii Mauke – Joseph Moetaua – Apii Titikaveka – Maliana Matamusuka.