The Cook Islands
Location:
At the very centre of the Polynesian triangle,the Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over some 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered to the west by Tokelau, the Samoas and Nuie and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia. It lies in the Tropic of Capricorn, latitude from 9-22 degrees. The islands north to south, are Penhryn, Rakahanga, Manihiki, Pukapuka, Nassau, Suwarrow, Palmerston, Aitutaki, Manuae, Mitiaro, Takutea, Atiu, Mauke, Rarotonga and Mangaia. With a land area of just 240 square kilometres, the islands range from low coral atolls to the mountainous majesty of Rarotonga, the largest island of the group and home to the capital, Avarua.
It was during the Great Polynesian Migration (which began about 1500BC), that our ancestors first arrived in these islands. Their giant double-hulled canoes - ‘Vaka’s’ - guided by the stars and the power of ancient Polynesian navigation, arrived here approximately 800AD. It is said that Chief Toi arrived in the Cook Islands during the original migration. Toi presided over the creation of a grand road, built of coral, laid through the inland swamps. This all-weather road is still in existence, despite being almost 1000 years old. Now tar sealed, it lies inland and is called the Ara Metua. When the early explorers arrived on Rarotonga, they were staggered to find the Great Road of Toi and while there’s much in the way of legends to explain its presence, the original reason for its construction remains shrouded in mystery.
The first Europeans were the Spanish explorers Alvaro de Mendana, who sighted Pukapuka in 1595 and Pedro Fernandez de Quiros who sighted Rakahanga in 1606.
There was no further European contact until over 160 years later in 1773, when Captain James Cook, for whom the island group was eventually named, sighted Manuae atoll which he named Hervey Island. On a later voyage, he also discovered Palmerston, Takutea, Mangaia and Atiu in 1777.
The ill fated Captain William Bligh sighted Aitutaki in 1789. Legend has it that Aitutaki’s highest point, the 124-metre Maungapu, is the top of Rarotonga’s Raemaru Peak, stolen away by local warriors. Shortly after Bligh, on April 28th 1789, on the same vessel, mutineer Fletcher Christian sighted Rarotonga following the famous “Mutiny on the Bounty”. However Rarotonga’s official discovery is credited to Captain Phillip Goodenough in the Cumberland in 1814, whilst seeking sandalwood.
Aitutaki was the first island in the Cook group to embrace Christianity when the Reverend John Williams of the London Missionary Society arrived in 1821. Travelling with Williams was a young missionary, Papeiha, from the Society Islands, who stayed on when Williams continued his travels and dedicated the rest of his life to his task. The CICC Church, construction of which started in 1828, is the oldest church in the Cook Islands and has a memorial to John Williams and Papeiha.
A favourite stop for whalers in the 1850s, the British flag was raised in 1888 at which time Aitutaki and Rarotonga were included in the boundaries of New Zealand.
Today, our international airport in Rarotonga handles daily connections by modern jet aircraft. Your local travel agent can assist you with reservations and planning your holiday, thus making the discovery of the Cook Islands much easier for you than for our ancestors.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cook Island History:
The Cook Islands were first settled in the 6th century A.D. by Polynesian people who migrated from nearby Tahiti, to the southeast.
Spanish ships visited the islands in the late sixteenth century; the first written record of contact with the Islands came with the sighting of Pukapuka by Spanish sailor Álvaro de Mendaña in 1595 who called it San Bernardo ("Saint Bernard"). Another Spaniard, Pedro Fernández de Quirós, made the first recorded European landing in the islands when he set foot on Rakahanga in 1606, calling it Gente Hermosa ("Beautiful People").
British navigator Captain James Cook arrived in 1773 and 1779 and named the islands the Hervey Islands; the name "Cook Islands", in honour of Cook, appeared on a Russian naval chart published in the 1820s.
In 1813, John Williams, a missionary on the Endeavour (not the same ship as that of Cook), made the first official sighting of the island of Rarotonga.
The first recorded landing on Rarotonga by Europeans was in 1814 by the Cumberland; trouble broke out between the sailors and the Islanders and many were killed on both sides.
The islands saw no more Europeans until missionaries arrived from England in 1821. Christianity quickly took hold in the culture and many islanders continue to be Christian believers today.
The Cook Islands became a British protectorate at their own request in 1888, mainly to thwart French expansionism. They were transferred to New Zealand in 1901. They remained a New Zealand protectorate until 1965, at which point they became a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. In that year, Albert Henry of the Cook Islands Party was elected as the first Prime Minister. Sir Albert Henry led the country until he was accused of vote-rigging. He was succeeded in 1978 by Tom Davis of the Democratic Party.
Today, the Cook Islands are essentially independent ("self-governing in free association with New Zealand") but New Zealand is tasked with overseeing the country's defence.
On June 11, 1980, the United States signed a treaty with New Zealand specifying the maritime border between the Cook Islands and American Samoa and also relinquishing its claim to the islands of Penrhyn Island, Pukapuka (Danger), Manihiki, and Rakahanga.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cook Island Culture:
The beauty and charm of the islands is matched only by the friendliness of the people. Here among your island friends, you will find the hospitality warm and spontaneous, the music and dancing exuberant, the mood relaxed.
The Cook Islands culture is shaped by the arrival of Polynesians that took place around 800 AD.
This was part of what was believed to have been the last great wave of Polynesian migration from Asia that began in 1500 BC.
Of equal importance has been the contact with European culture, particularly the British and the influence of missionaries spreading the Christian message.
Cook Islanders share a genuine care for others and as they have chosen to retain and preserve much of their old ways, their cherished culture lives on. This is openly expressed with song, dance and an easy pace of life, uncomplicated by the turmoil of the outside world. They invite you to share this unique lifestyle whilst you are their guest.
Although displays of the Cook Islands past are exhibited in local museums, their culture is not confined to their walls, or to restored sites. Polynesian identity can be found in everyday life, in the many art galleries around the island of Rarotonga who exhibit local artists, in the carvings that adorn their buildings and homes, in dance and drama and at various events throughout the year, particularly during Te Maeva Nui Constitution Celebrations in July. This is a time to renew the warrior’s might and the dancer’s grace – a time when heritage excels. However, it is the songs of the Kaparima, the hymns of the Sunday choir, and pride in traditional crafts that exists in the day-to-day lives of their people.
Christianity plays an important role in their lives and Sunday is a day for celebration, prayer, families and singing. There are several denominations who\ welcome your attendance at church services on Saturdays or Sundays. An uplifting highlight of your visit will be the joyous sound of a Sunday choir.
The total population of our islands is approximately 19,000. Some 2000 people live on the Northern Group islands and about 5000 on 5 Southern Group islands. The rest live on Rarotonga. Many of their people live overseas, including close to 50,000 in New Zealand.
Throughout the villages, at your hotel, or at the many attractions, you will be welcomed by local people and treated as a friend.
Song and Dance - The heart of Cook Island's culture:
What most defines the Cook Islands and leaves a lasting impression on tourists is the grace, art and skill demonstrated in song and dance – particularly a traditional dance known as the Ura.
Unlike most western dancers, the islanders tell a story with their bodies that matches the words of the song. The dancing, accompanied by highly rhythmic drumming is taken very seriously, with each island having its own unique songs and dances that are practised from an early age.
The Cook Islanders are considered amongst the finest Polynesian singers and dancers. And there are many competitions throughout the year where the competitive spirit between each island comes to the fore. Regular international awards are a testament to this phenomenal talent.
Close harmonious singing can also be heard in churches along with the powerful and emotional impact of chants and hymns during weddings and funerals. This range and talent of popular singing can be found at numerous festivals throughout the year.
String bands that play at restaurants, hotels and concerts, using combinations of modern electronics with traditional ukuleles made from coconut shells also provides tourists with a uniquely Cook Islands experience.
Festivals and Events:
Throughout the year they find many reasons to celebrate and have fun. Some of their festivals have a cultural or historical significance, such as the Te Maeva Nui Celebrations held each year in July, where they celebrate their nation’s self-governance. This is an important festivity for them and perhaps their largest, with colourful float parades, drumming and dancing competitions, choir singing, sports and so on. This event involves peoples from all of the islands and is a great time to be in the Cook Islands.
Other celebrations and events of note are:
Many sporting competitions take place during the year. They include the Rarotonga International Triathlon that attracts participants from all over the globe and the Round Rarotonga Road Race, in which visitors are encouraged to participate. Others include the International Rugby Sevens Tournament, Boxing Day Touch Tournament, Cook Islands National Athletics Championships and of course the local Rugby Union, Football and Netball seasons.
Other events include the Cook Islands Tourism International Food Festival, Cook Islands Tivaivai Exhibition, All Souls Day ‘Turama’ , Kumete Sports, ‘Vaka Eiva’ Canoe Regatta and much more.
History and People:
Cook Islanders look upon themselves as true Polynesians, with a proud heritage that connects directly with the finest seafarers of the vast Pacific. Voyaging on handmade canoes with none of the sophisticated navigation tools of today, they made their way fearlessly across vast tracts of ocean in search of new lands and beginnings.
According to tradition, the first voyagers to arrive in the Cook Islands landed on Rarotonga around 800 AD. These people had set sail from Tupua'i in what is now French Polynesia. Continuing the Polynesian habit of seabound exploration and migration, Cook Islands tradition also has it that the great Maori migrations to New Zealand began from Rarotonga as early as the 5th century AD.
The first written history of the Cooks began in 1595, prompted by the sighting of Pukapuka by the Spanish voyager Alvaro de Mendana. It took almost 150 years for the British to arrive, beginning again with a sighting of Pukapuka in 1764. Subsequently, the infamous Captain Bligh and his ship the HMS Bounty landed on Aitutaki in 1798.
1821 saw the arrival of the first Christian missionaries. Their influence spread quickly throughout the Cook Islands. But whilst the arrival of Christianity did alter many aspects of traditional island existence, the people of the Cook Islands have been able to preserve their proud Polynesian heritage alongside their Christian faith.
One final point: the name 'Cook Islands' was actually bestowed by the Russians, in honour of the great English navigator!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cook Island Language
Cook Islands Mãori or Maori Kuki Airani is the most widely spoken language in the Cook Islands and has been our official language since 2003. Cook Island Maori is also referred to as ‘Te reo Ipukarea’ or “the language of the Ancestral Homeland’.
In addition, English is almost universally spoken and understood.
Should you want to explore speaking another language, here are some common words and useful phrases in Cook Islands Mãori:
Good Morning - põpongi
Good Night - põ manea, põ meitaki
Have a nice day - rã mãnea
Good bye - ‘aere ra
Come here - ‘aere mai
Thank you - meitaki
Thank you very much - meitaki ma‘ata
You are beautiful - te mãnea ‘iakoe
What is...
your name? - ko‘ai tõ‘ou ingoa?
the time? - ‘ea‘a teora?
Where is...
the bus stop? - tei‘ea te ngai tãp~u anga o te bus?
the hospital? - tei‘ea te are maki?
the museum? - tei‘ea te are vairanga apinga takere?
the library? - tei‘ea te are vairanga puka tatau?
the bank? - tei‘ea te pangika?
the market? - tei‘ea te makete?
the church? - tei‘ea te are pure?
where are going? - ka aere koe k~i‘ea
How much...
is this? - ‘~e‘ia teia?
does this cost? - ‘e‘ia moni i teia?
is the cup of coffee - ‘~e‘ia moni i te kapu kaope?
How old are you? - ‘~e‘ia õ‘ou mata‘iti?
Can you help me? - ka rauka ãinei ia koe i te tauturu mai iãku?
Is it safe to swim here? - ka meitaki ãinei te pa‘~i tai i konei?
Can I have a drink? - ka tika ãinei kia inu au i te vai?
I only speak a little Cook Islands Maori - meangiti ua taku tuatua maori ka kite
I don’t speak any Cook Island Maori - kãreau e kite meitaki i te tuatua maori
Counting 1-10
tai, rua, toru, ‘ã, rima, ono, itu, varu, iva, ta‘i nga‘uru
Useful words
Yes - ‘ãe
No - kãre
Stop - tãp~u
Flower - tiare
Food - kai (Rarotonga word for food), mãnga (-over the first a) (Ngaputoru an Aitutaki word for food)
Book - puka
Water - vai
Girl - tamãi‘ne
Pretty girl - tama‘ine maneã
Woman/wife - vaine
Pretty woman - va‘ine manea
Boy - tamaiti
Man/husband - tãne
Happy - mataora
Dance - ‘ura
Let's dance - ka ‘ura tãua
Happy - mataora
Feast - umukai
Tomorrow – ãpõpõ
Moon - marama
Ocean - moana
Maunga - mountain European/foreigner - papa‘a
Plane - pa‘irere
At the very centre of the Polynesian triangle,the Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over some 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered to the west by Tokelau, the Samoas and Nuie and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia. It lies in the Tropic of Capricorn, latitude from 9-22 degrees. The islands north to south, are Penhryn, Rakahanga, Manihiki, Pukapuka, Nassau, Suwarrow, Palmerston, Aitutaki, Manuae, Mitiaro, Takutea, Atiu, Mauke, Rarotonga and Mangaia. With a land area of just 240 square kilometres, the islands range from low coral atolls to the mountainous majesty of Rarotonga, the largest island of the group and home to the capital, Avarua.
It was during the Great Polynesian Migration (which began about 1500BC), that our ancestors first arrived in these islands. Their giant double-hulled canoes - ‘Vaka’s’ - guided by the stars and the power of ancient Polynesian navigation, arrived here approximately 800AD. It is said that Chief Toi arrived in the Cook Islands during the original migration. Toi presided over the creation of a grand road, built of coral, laid through the inland swamps. This all-weather road is still in existence, despite being almost 1000 years old. Now tar sealed, it lies inland and is called the Ara Metua. When the early explorers arrived on Rarotonga, they were staggered to find the Great Road of Toi and while there’s much in the way of legends to explain its presence, the original reason for its construction remains shrouded in mystery.
The first Europeans were the Spanish explorers Alvaro de Mendana, who sighted Pukapuka in 1595 and Pedro Fernandez de Quiros who sighted Rakahanga in 1606.
There was no further European contact until over 160 years later in 1773, when Captain James Cook, for whom the island group was eventually named, sighted Manuae atoll which he named Hervey Island. On a later voyage, he also discovered Palmerston, Takutea, Mangaia and Atiu in 1777.
The ill fated Captain William Bligh sighted Aitutaki in 1789. Legend has it that Aitutaki’s highest point, the 124-metre Maungapu, is the top of Rarotonga’s Raemaru Peak, stolen away by local warriors. Shortly after Bligh, on April 28th 1789, on the same vessel, mutineer Fletcher Christian sighted Rarotonga following the famous “Mutiny on the Bounty”. However Rarotonga’s official discovery is credited to Captain Phillip Goodenough in the Cumberland in 1814, whilst seeking sandalwood.
Aitutaki was the first island in the Cook group to embrace Christianity when the Reverend John Williams of the London Missionary Society arrived in 1821. Travelling with Williams was a young missionary, Papeiha, from the Society Islands, who stayed on when Williams continued his travels and dedicated the rest of his life to his task. The CICC Church, construction of which started in 1828, is the oldest church in the Cook Islands and has a memorial to John Williams and Papeiha.
A favourite stop for whalers in the 1850s, the British flag was raised in 1888 at which time Aitutaki and Rarotonga were included in the boundaries of New Zealand.
Today, our international airport in Rarotonga handles daily connections by modern jet aircraft. Your local travel agent can assist you with reservations and planning your holiday, thus making the discovery of the Cook Islands much easier for you than for our ancestors.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cook Island History:
The Cook Islands were first settled in the 6th century A.D. by Polynesian people who migrated from nearby Tahiti, to the southeast.
Spanish ships visited the islands in the late sixteenth century; the first written record of contact with the Islands came with the sighting of Pukapuka by Spanish sailor Álvaro de Mendaña in 1595 who called it San Bernardo ("Saint Bernard"). Another Spaniard, Pedro Fernández de Quirós, made the first recorded European landing in the islands when he set foot on Rakahanga in 1606, calling it Gente Hermosa ("Beautiful People").
British navigator Captain James Cook arrived in 1773 and 1779 and named the islands the Hervey Islands; the name "Cook Islands", in honour of Cook, appeared on a Russian naval chart published in the 1820s.
In 1813, John Williams, a missionary on the Endeavour (not the same ship as that of Cook), made the first official sighting of the island of Rarotonga.
The first recorded landing on Rarotonga by Europeans was in 1814 by the Cumberland; trouble broke out between the sailors and the Islanders and many were killed on both sides.
The islands saw no more Europeans until missionaries arrived from England in 1821. Christianity quickly took hold in the culture and many islanders continue to be Christian believers today.
The Cook Islands became a British protectorate at their own request in 1888, mainly to thwart French expansionism. They were transferred to New Zealand in 1901. They remained a New Zealand protectorate until 1965, at which point they became a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. In that year, Albert Henry of the Cook Islands Party was elected as the first Prime Minister. Sir Albert Henry led the country until he was accused of vote-rigging. He was succeeded in 1978 by Tom Davis of the Democratic Party.
Today, the Cook Islands are essentially independent ("self-governing in free association with New Zealand") but New Zealand is tasked with overseeing the country's defence.
On June 11, 1980, the United States signed a treaty with New Zealand specifying the maritime border between the Cook Islands and American Samoa and also relinquishing its claim to the islands of Penrhyn Island, Pukapuka (Danger), Manihiki, and Rakahanga.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cook Island Culture:
The beauty and charm of the islands is matched only by the friendliness of the people. Here among your island friends, you will find the hospitality warm and spontaneous, the music and dancing exuberant, the mood relaxed.
The Cook Islands culture is shaped by the arrival of Polynesians that took place around 800 AD.
This was part of what was believed to have been the last great wave of Polynesian migration from Asia that began in 1500 BC.
Of equal importance has been the contact with European culture, particularly the British and the influence of missionaries spreading the Christian message.
Cook Islanders share a genuine care for others and as they have chosen to retain and preserve much of their old ways, their cherished culture lives on. This is openly expressed with song, dance and an easy pace of life, uncomplicated by the turmoil of the outside world. They invite you to share this unique lifestyle whilst you are their guest.
Although displays of the Cook Islands past are exhibited in local museums, their culture is not confined to their walls, or to restored sites. Polynesian identity can be found in everyday life, in the many art galleries around the island of Rarotonga who exhibit local artists, in the carvings that adorn their buildings and homes, in dance and drama and at various events throughout the year, particularly during Te Maeva Nui Constitution Celebrations in July. This is a time to renew the warrior’s might and the dancer’s grace – a time when heritage excels. However, it is the songs of the Kaparima, the hymns of the Sunday choir, and pride in traditional crafts that exists in the day-to-day lives of their people.
Christianity plays an important role in their lives and Sunday is a day for celebration, prayer, families and singing. There are several denominations who\ welcome your attendance at church services on Saturdays or Sundays. An uplifting highlight of your visit will be the joyous sound of a Sunday choir.
The total population of our islands is approximately 19,000. Some 2000 people live on the Northern Group islands and about 5000 on 5 Southern Group islands. The rest live on Rarotonga. Many of their people live overseas, including close to 50,000 in New Zealand.
Throughout the villages, at your hotel, or at the many attractions, you will be welcomed by local people and treated as a friend.
Song and Dance - The heart of Cook Island's culture:
What most defines the Cook Islands and leaves a lasting impression on tourists is the grace, art and skill demonstrated in song and dance – particularly a traditional dance known as the Ura.
Unlike most western dancers, the islanders tell a story with their bodies that matches the words of the song. The dancing, accompanied by highly rhythmic drumming is taken very seriously, with each island having its own unique songs and dances that are practised from an early age.
The Cook Islanders are considered amongst the finest Polynesian singers and dancers. And there are many competitions throughout the year where the competitive spirit between each island comes to the fore. Regular international awards are a testament to this phenomenal talent.
Close harmonious singing can also be heard in churches along with the powerful and emotional impact of chants and hymns during weddings and funerals. This range and talent of popular singing can be found at numerous festivals throughout the year.
String bands that play at restaurants, hotels and concerts, using combinations of modern electronics with traditional ukuleles made from coconut shells also provides tourists with a uniquely Cook Islands experience.
Festivals and Events:
Throughout the year they find many reasons to celebrate and have fun. Some of their festivals have a cultural or historical significance, such as the Te Maeva Nui Celebrations held each year in July, where they celebrate their nation’s self-governance. This is an important festivity for them and perhaps their largest, with colourful float parades, drumming and dancing competitions, choir singing, sports and so on. This event involves peoples from all of the islands and is a great time to be in the Cook Islands.
Other celebrations and events of note are:
- Te Mire Kapa ‘Dancer of the Year’ Competitions that are excellent events to watch, attracting many spectators. During the month of April, men and women, boys and girls participate in several categories of dance, all leading up to the finals late in the month or early in May.
- Miss Cook Islands Pageant is held every two years and is a big event for our young female contestants aged between 18 to 25 years. The winner goes on to represent our nation at other pageant such as Miss South Pacific and Miss world.
- Cook Islands Gospel Day, also known as ‘Nuku’ takes place in October. Various religious groups from around the islands assemble together to perform religious dramas or acts, in remembrance of the arrival of the missionaries to our shores.
- The Tiare Festival or Flower Festival is a big event, celebrated each year in November with a different theme. There are competitions for best decorated shops, schools and government buildings, best head or neck ‘ei, best pot plant and much more. Miss Tiare Pageant and a float parade also feature during this fun week of festivities.
Many sporting competitions take place during the year. They include the Rarotonga International Triathlon that attracts participants from all over the globe and the Round Rarotonga Road Race, in which visitors are encouraged to participate. Others include the International Rugby Sevens Tournament, Boxing Day Touch Tournament, Cook Islands National Athletics Championships and of course the local Rugby Union, Football and Netball seasons.
Other events include the Cook Islands Tourism International Food Festival, Cook Islands Tivaivai Exhibition, All Souls Day ‘Turama’ , Kumete Sports, ‘Vaka Eiva’ Canoe Regatta and much more.
History and People:
Cook Islanders look upon themselves as true Polynesians, with a proud heritage that connects directly with the finest seafarers of the vast Pacific. Voyaging on handmade canoes with none of the sophisticated navigation tools of today, they made their way fearlessly across vast tracts of ocean in search of new lands and beginnings.
According to tradition, the first voyagers to arrive in the Cook Islands landed on Rarotonga around 800 AD. These people had set sail from Tupua'i in what is now French Polynesia. Continuing the Polynesian habit of seabound exploration and migration, Cook Islands tradition also has it that the great Maori migrations to New Zealand began from Rarotonga as early as the 5th century AD.
The first written history of the Cooks began in 1595, prompted by the sighting of Pukapuka by the Spanish voyager Alvaro de Mendana. It took almost 150 years for the British to arrive, beginning again with a sighting of Pukapuka in 1764. Subsequently, the infamous Captain Bligh and his ship the HMS Bounty landed on Aitutaki in 1798.
1821 saw the arrival of the first Christian missionaries. Their influence spread quickly throughout the Cook Islands. But whilst the arrival of Christianity did alter many aspects of traditional island existence, the people of the Cook Islands have been able to preserve their proud Polynesian heritage alongside their Christian faith.
One final point: the name 'Cook Islands' was actually bestowed by the Russians, in honour of the great English navigator!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cook Island Language
Cook Islands Mãori or Maori Kuki Airani is the most widely spoken language in the Cook Islands and has been our official language since 2003. Cook Island Maori is also referred to as ‘Te reo Ipukarea’ or “the language of the Ancestral Homeland’.
In addition, English is almost universally spoken and understood.
Should you want to explore speaking another language, here are some common words and useful phrases in Cook Islands Mãori:
Good Morning - põpongi
Good Night - põ manea, põ meitaki
Have a nice day - rã mãnea
Good bye - ‘aere ra
Come here - ‘aere mai
Thank you - meitaki
Thank you very much - meitaki ma‘ata
You are beautiful - te mãnea ‘iakoe
What is...
your name? - ko‘ai tõ‘ou ingoa?
the time? - ‘ea‘a teora?
Where is...
the bus stop? - tei‘ea te ngai tãp~u anga o te bus?
the hospital? - tei‘ea te are maki?
the museum? - tei‘ea te are vairanga apinga takere?
the library? - tei‘ea te are vairanga puka tatau?
the bank? - tei‘ea te pangika?
the market? - tei‘ea te makete?
the church? - tei‘ea te are pure?
where are going? - ka aere koe k~i‘ea
How much...
is this? - ‘~e‘ia teia?
does this cost? - ‘e‘ia moni i teia?
is the cup of coffee - ‘~e‘ia moni i te kapu kaope?
How old are you? - ‘~e‘ia õ‘ou mata‘iti?
Can you help me? - ka rauka ãinei ia koe i te tauturu mai iãku?
Is it safe to swim here? - ka meitaki ãinei te pa‘~i tai i konei?
Can I have a drink? - ka tika ãinei kia inu au i te vai?
I only speak a little Cook Islands Maori - meangiti ua taku tuatua maori ka kite
I don’t speak any Cook Island Maori - kãreau e kite meitaki i te tuatua maori
Counting 1-10
tai, rua, toru, ‘ã, rima, ono, itu, varu, iva, ta‘i nga‘uru
Useful words
Yes - ‘ãe
No - kãre
Stop - tãp~u
Flower - tiare
Food - kai (Rarotonga word for food), mãnga (-over the first a) (Ngaputoru an Aitutaki word for food)
Book - puka
Water - vai
Girl - tamãi‘ne
Pretty girl - tama‘ine maneã
Woman/wife - vaine
Pretty woman - va‘ine manea
Boy - tamaiti
Man/husband - tãne
Happy - mataora
Dance - ‘ura
Let's dance - ka ‘ura tãua
Happy - mataora
Feast - umukai
Tomorrow – ãpõpõ
Moon - marama
Ocean - moana
Maunga - mountain European/foreigner - papa‘a
Plane - pa‘irere