Learn Cook Islands Māori

Planning a trip to Rarotonga? You could just land, sip a cocktail, and nod politely at the locals while having zero clue what they’re saying. Or you could actually learn some Cook Islands Māori and stop pretending. Tom and Charlie deliver bite-sized lessons that sneak the language into your head without the boring classroom vibe. From formal phrases that’ll impress the aunties, to casual talk for everyday life, to the kind of slang your grandma would definitely disapprove of! Book your seat (or just subscribe, it’s cheaper): Email: info@kukilearning.com Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning

Lesson 153 - Common kitchen items

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

09-30
11:28

Lesson 152 - 13 Facts about the Cook Islands

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

09-29
05:22

Bonus 151.5 - "Know your heritage" with Danny Mataroa

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

09-20
04:49

Lesson 151 - Introduction Practice (Very Basic)

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.

09-16
11:15

Bonus 150.5 - "I'm a warrior of the Cook Islands!" with Teremoana Junior

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

09-12
03:56

Lesson 150 - Common clothing items

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

09-09
07:32

Lesson 149 - Parts of the Body: Inside

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

09-02
07:20

Lesson 148 - Parts of the Body: Head

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

08-31
10:42

Bonus 147.5 - "Our language is being challenged" with Vae Papatua | Cook Islands Language Week 2025

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

08-17
04:47

Lesson 147 - Parts of the Body: General

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

08-15
09:11

Lesson 146 - Saying “My (body part) hurts”

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

08-12
05:19

Bonus 145.5 - Why say “Cook Islands” before “Māori”?

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

08-09
05:29

Lesson 145 - Saying “I am hot”

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

08-08
05:36

Bonus 144.5 - "Don't be afraid to make mistakes" with Tom Harrison | Cook Islands Language Week 2025

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

08-08
03:11

Lesson 144 - Saying “I am cold”

I am cold = Kua anu au/E anu toku Anu = coldVera = hotJoin 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

08-07
05:45

Bonus 143.5 - The Ode of Remembrance in Cook Islands’ Māori

Online source: Kare ratou e pakari, mei a ratou e vai nei, e pakari atu ra.Kare e tuatua e akaroi ia ratou, kare katoa te mataiti, e akaapa ia ratou.Mei te ra e opu atu ra i te aiai, e te itianga mai o te ra i te popongi.E akamaara tatou ia ratou.English Version:They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morning,We will remember them.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

08-06
00:52

Lesson 142 - Saying “Go away/Get lost”

Go away = Aere atu! = Ere atu!Get lost = Tangaro iatu koe!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

08-05
07:03

Bonus 141.5 - The Ode of Remembrance in Cook Islands’ Māori by Tom Harrison

Interpreted by Tom HarrisonKare ratou e pakari, mei a tatou rai te ka pakari.Kare te mataiti e ‘akamauiui ia ratou, e kare katoa e ‘aka’apa.I te iti’anga ra o te ra e i te popongi.Ka ‘akama’ara ua rae tatou, ia ratou.English VersionThey shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them.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

08-04
00:48

Lesson 141 - Saying “Come home" and "Return home”

Come home = Aere mai ki te kaingaReturn home = Oki mai ki te kaingaHome = kainga/ngutuareJoin 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

08-03
07:40

Lesson 140 - Asking “What's the plan tomorrow?"

Eaa te parani apopo? = What's the plan tomorrow?Parani = planApopo = tomorrowJoin 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

08-02
04:13

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