Learn Cook Islands Māori

I asked a simple question and didn’t expect the response it got.What followed was a flood of raw, unfiltered opinions that quickly turned into something much bigger than a flag. I unpack what people actually said, why emotions ran high, and what this says about identity, priorities, and trust in leadership in the Cook Islands.No spin. No sugar coating. Just the voices that showed up.Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes.These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters).Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place.Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request.Web: https://kukilearning.com/Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Language lessons:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Ka inangaro koe i te kai?Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes.These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters).Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place.Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request.Web: https://kukilearning.com/Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Language lessons:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Ka inangaro koe i te aere? (aere mai = come)Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes.These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters).Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place.Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request.Web: https://kukilearning.com/Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Language lessons:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

I live/stay in _____. = E no’o ana au ki _____.I live/stay in Aitutaki = E no’o ana au ki Aitutaki.I live/stay in Otara = E no’o ana au ki Otara.I live/stay in Christchurch = E no’o ana au ki Christchurch.I live/stay in America = E no’o ana au ki America (Marike in CI Maori).I live/stay in Japan = E no’o ana au ki Japan.Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes.These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters).Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place.Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request.Web: https://kukilearning.com/Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Language lessons:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Where do you live/stay? = E no’o ana koe kī'ea?Join the boys from Kuki Learning whose aim is keep the Cook Island's Māori language and culture alive, by sharing it worldwide. Hosted by Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison who both grew up in Aitutaki and have collective ties to the islands of Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. They now reside in Aotearoa New Zealand and regularly fly home. Feel free to send topics you'd like them to teach via email at info@kukilearning.comWeb: ⁠https://kukilearning.com/⁠Other content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Kia Orana all! This is a light-hearted update episode where I return to the mic and talk openly about juggling adulthood, the rush toward Christmas, and the pressure to make everything perfect. I share why consistency matters more than perfection and outline a renewed focus on delivering regular content. Lets go!!Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes.These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters).Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place.Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request.Web: https://kukilearning.com/Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Language lessons:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Bring me the ____? Apai mai te____?Pot/pan = pāni frying pan = varai pāniPlate = merekiCup = kapuFork = kokaiKnife = tipiSpoon = tipunuLid = papaniOven = umuFridge/freezer = pia anuanu/pia akaanuanuMeet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes.These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters).Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place.Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request.Web: https://kukilearning.com/Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Language lessons:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes.These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters).Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place.Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request.Web: https://kukilearning.com/Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Language lessons:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the world. Your hosts, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison, both proudly hail from Aitutaki and share strong family ties to Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they stay closely connected to the islands and frequently return home. Each episode is designed to teach you the basics of Cook Islands Māori, with bite-sized lessons, cultural insights, and real-life stories from two passionate educators. Whether you're a beginner or reconnecting with your roots, this is for you.Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at: info@kukilearning.com Web: https://kukilearning.com/Other content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Ready to sound like you actually know what you’re saying in Māori? In this episode, we cover the essentials: saying hello without looking awkward, asking “How are you?” (and actually knowing how to reply), introducing yourself like a pro, and even asking where someone’s from without sounding like a stalker. Oh, and we’ll wrap it up with a couple of handy exits: “That’s enough” and “See ya.”I’ll say each phrase nice and slow, leave space for you to repeat (yes, out loud ; don’t just sit there nodding), and by the end, you’ll have enough survival phrases to impress your friends, confuse strangers, and maybe even hold a short conversation.Conversation 1A: Kia orāna, pe’ea koe?B: Meitaki au. Pe’ea koe? A. Meitaki. Conversation 2A: Koai tōou ‘ingoa? B. Toku ingoa ko May. Koai tōou? A. Toku ingoa ko Tom. Conversation 3B. Tom, no’ea mai koe?A: Nō Aitutaki mai au. May, no’ea mai koe?B. No Aotearoa mai au.A: May, e aka teia. Ka kiteB: Ka kite Tom.

We speak with Teremoana Teremoana Jnr, a heavyweight boxer fighting out of Australia and representing his Cook Islands heritage.Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the world. Your hosts, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison, both proudly hail from Aitutaki and share strong family ties to Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they stay closely connected to the islands and frequently return home. Each episode is designed to teach you the basics of Cook Islands Māori, with bite-sized lessons, cultural insights, and real-life stories from two passionate educators. Whether you're a beginner or reconnecting with your roots, this is for you.Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at: info@kukilearning.com Web: https://kukilearning.com/Other content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Where's your ____? Tei’ea toou ____?Shirt = ponaT-Shirt = piriaroPants = piripou roaroaShorts = piripouHat = pareJacket/Coat = pereueSocks = totiniShoes = tamakaJoin the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the world. Your hosts, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison, both proudly hail from Aitutaki and share strong family ties to Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they stay closely connected to the islands and frequently return home. Each episode is designed to teach you the basics of Cook Islands Māori, with bite-sized lessons, cultural insights, and real-life stories from two passionate educators. Whether you're a beginner or reconnecting with your roots, this is for you.Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at: info@kukilearning.com Web: https://kukilearning.com/Other content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Where’s the _____ ? = Tei’ea te _____?Brain = roroLungs = atemāmāHeart = pukuatuBlood = totoBone = iviUrine = mimiFaeces = tutaeEarwax = taringa pataSweat = ‘ouJoin the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the world. Your hosts, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison, both proudly hail from Aitutaki and share strong family ties to Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they stay closely connected to the islands and frequently return home. Each episode is designed to teach you the basics of Cook Islands Māori, with bite-sized lessons, cultural insights, and real-life stories from two passionate educators. Whether you're a beginner or reconnecting with your roots, this is for you.Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at: info@kukilearning.com Web: https://kukilearning.com/Other content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Hair = rouru, (rauru)Eye = mataEyes = ngā mataEar = taringaMouth = va’aCheek = paparingaChin = tāngaTeeth = ni’oTongue = areroBeard = uruuru ta’a, (uruuru va’a)Neck = kāki, (karaponga)Nose = putāngio, (puteao)Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the world. Your hosts, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison, both proudly hail from Aitutaki and share strong family ties to Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they stay closely connected to the islands and frequently return home. Each episode is designed to teach you the basics of Cook Islands Māori, with bite-sized lessons, cultural insights, and real-life stories from two passionate educators. Whether you're a beginner or reconnecting with your roots, this is for you.Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at: info@kukilearning.com Web: https://kukilearning.com/Other content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the world. Your hosts, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison, both proudly hail from Aitutaki and share strong family ties to Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they stay closely connected to the islands and frequently return home. Each episode is designed to teach you the basics of Cook Islands Māori, with bite-sized lessons, cultural insights, and real-life stories from two passionate educators. Whether you're a beginner or reconnecting with your roots, this is for you.Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at: info@kukilearning.com Web: https://kukilearning.com/Other content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

My (hand) hurts/My (hand) is sore = Mamae toku (rima).Head = katu (Rarotonga dialect)Head = upoko (Aitutaki dialect)Shoulders = pakuiviStomach = kopuBack = mokotua (Rarotonga dialect)Back = tautua (Aitutaki dialect)Arm/Hands = rimafinger nails = mangamanga rimaLegs/feet  = vaevae  Toe nails = mangamanga vaevaeKnees = turiBum = toe (Rarotonga dialect)Bum = kitikiti (Aitutaki dialect)Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the world. Your hosts, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison, both proudly hail from Aitutaki and share strong family ties to Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they stay closely connected to the islands and frequently return home. Each episode is designed to teach you the basics of Cook Islands Māori, with bite-sized lessons, cultural insights, and real-life stories from two passionate educators. Whether you're a beginner or reconnecting with your roots, this is for you.Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at: info@kukilearning.com Web: https://kukilearning.com/Other content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Mamae toku (____) = My (____) is soreMamae toku (____) = My (____) hurtsMamae = sore, pain, painful, hurtJoin the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the world. Your hosts, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison, both proudly hail from Aitutaki and share strong family ties to Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they stay closely connected to the islands and frequently return home. Each episode is designed to teach you the basics of Cook Islands Māori, with bite-sized lessons, cultural insights, and real-life stories from two passionate educators. Whether you're a beginner or reconnecting with your roots, this is for you.Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at: info@kukilearning.com Web: https://kukilearning.com/Other content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the world. Your hosts, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison, both proudly hail from Aitutaki and share strong family ties to Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they stay closely connected to the islands and frequently return home. Each episode is designed to teach you the basics of Cook Islands Māori, with bite-sized lessons, cultural insights, and real-life stories from two passionate educators. Whether you're a beginner or reconnecting with your roots, this is for you.Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at: info@kukilearning.com Web: https://kukilearning.com/Other content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

I am hot = Kua vera au/E vera toku Vera = hotAnu = coldJoin the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the world. Your hosts, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison, both proudly hail from Aitutaki and share strong family ties to Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they stay closely connected to the islands and frequently return home. Each episode is designed to teach you the basics of Cook Islands Māori, with bite-sized lessons, cultural insights, and real-life stories from two passionate educators. Whether you're a beginner or reconnecting with your roots, this is for you.Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at: info@kukilearning.com Web: https://kukilearning.com/Other content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the world. Your hosts, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison, both proudly hail from Aitutaki and share strong family ties to Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they stay closely connected to the islands and frequently return home. Each episode is designed to teach you the basics of Cook Islands Māori, with bite-sized lessons, cultural insights, and real-life stories from two passionate educators. Whether you're a beginner or reconnecting with your roots, this is for you.Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at: info@kukilearning.com Web: https://kukilearning.com/Other content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe