Source: New Zealand Government
The Cook Islands Language Week theme for 2021 highlights the vital role language plays in maintaining young people’s links to their Pacific home, said Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio.
“The Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week – theme is ‘Ātuitui’ia au ki te Oneone o tōku ‘Ui Tupuna which translates to, ‘Connect me to the soil of my ancestors’.
“This theme refers to the feeling of being ‘home’ that many Pacific people experience when we speak our precious languages away from the islands of our ancestors. It is even more important as it was chosen by young people of the Cook Islands community.
“I believe it is up to all New Zealanders to ensure that Cook Islands leaders of tomorrow are given the chance to connect to their unique cultural identity and heritage.
“Although it is great that many people speak te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani during the annual language week, we must proactively nurture the language so that our New Zealand-born Cook Islanders have a sense of their linguistic and cultural heritage all year round,” said Aupito William Sio.
The 2018 census revealed that of the 80,000 Cook Islanders living in New Zealand, 80 percent were born in New Zealand. The Minister said now more than ever it is important that Cook Islanders are embracing their language and heritage to keep the connection to their homelands alive.
“Pacific Language Weeks are about more than each Pacific community celebrating their language – they are an opportunity for the rest of the country to appreciate and learn more about their Pacific neighbours.
“My hope for te ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani is that broader New Zealand communities join with the Cook Islands community as they take up their young people’s call to action to strengthen their connection to their heritage. This can be done by using simple words and greetings in te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani such as Kia Orāna (Hello/Greetings), Meitaki (Thank you), ‘Aere rā (Goodbye)”, said Aupito William Sio.
Further information
Cook Islands Language Week will run from Sunday 1 August to Saturday 7 August 2021.
Cook Islands Language Week will be officially launched at Te Akapuanga, Cook Islands Hall, Porirua, Wellington on Saturday 31 July 2021 where the inaugural Cook Islands Language Champion Honours Ta’unga Kama’atu, will also be acknowledged. The closing ceremony will be hosted by the Hawkes Bay Cook Islands community and will take place on Saturday 7 August.
For more information on Cook Islands Language Week, including resources please visit www.mpp.govt.nz/
