While the national spotlight remains fixed on the revitalisation of Cook Islands Maori in schools across the country, one outer island school has been vitalising the language as its foundation.

Apii Mauke, the only school on the island, is ensuring its students stay grounded in their identity and culture through the use of Maori language as the primary medium of instruction.

“Maori language is very, very important,” says Maria Eiturau-Tereia, principal of Apii Mauke. “So basically, every teaching instruction is in Maori from our ECE (early childhood education) to our Year 3. Formal English only begins at Year 4.”

The emphasis on te reo Maori extends across all subjects, including science and maths, and is not just confined to language or culture-based lessons.

“Even the conversation amongst themselves in the class is in Maori,” she said.

The school currently has 48 students, five teaching staff and three teacher aides, along with an office secretary. 

Eiturau-Tereia, a full-time teaching principal, says the school’s small size has helped preserve and maintain their focus on language and cultural connection. 

“We only go up to Year 11 here. After that, our students go to Rarotonga for Years 12 and 13 because of our small numbers,” she said.

Her comments come weeks after a renewed call by traditional leader Te Kaumaiti Nui, Tou Travel Ariki, as reported by Cook Islands News, urging greater efforts across the Pa Enua and Rarotonga to strengthen Cook Islands Maori in schools. 

“Our language must live on,” Tou Ariki had said, highlighting the threat of language erosion and the role of schools in keeping the culture alive.

Seabed mining consultation

On Wednesday, students at Apii Mauke had a unique opportunity to expand their learning during a visit by Moana Minerals, one of the three licensed companies currently undertaking seabed mineral exploration in the Cook Islands. The company is visiting the Ngaputoru – Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke, and Enua Manu – as part of its community engagement tour.

Eiturau-Tereia said the visit was eye-opening for both teachers and students.

“With what the Moana Minerals team have showed us, it’s very informative. It’s eye-opening. We got to really understand what they are doing on the vessel and what areas each person is responsible for,” she said.

The principal noted that while the presentation was engaging, some of the terminology was a little too technical for the younger students to grasp. 

“It will be a good opportunity for them to actually see the vessel and really put what’s been presented into perspective. Some of the machinery terms they heard – they couldn’t picture what it looked like.”

Students were excited at the possibility of visiting Moana Minerals’ research vessel Anuanua Moana and seeing the exploration work firsthand. 

“We were just discussing how it would be a good opportunity for them to go onto the vessel, to really see what these two Papas(Moana Minerals staff) were talking about and broaden their understanding.”

Beyond the science and technical information, the visit also brought joy and learning through interactive games and giveaways. 

“What’s more lively about it is the game they played. It really showed how well they had listened to what was presented. And of course, we’re thankful for the goodies they gave out at the end.”

Eiturau-Tereia expressed gratitude on behalf of the school: “Thank you very much to the Moana Minerals company for this opportunity and for soliciting our school. Thank you so much.”