Cook Islands Maori language divides opinion

The Mapu Taurekareka O Nikao, Pa Enua, Rangiatea Matavera and Vaka Puaikura teams displayed vibrant ‘akatika’ (for) and pātoi (against) sentiments at the ‘Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki’ Āirani debate competition on Wednesday.

Mapu Taurekareka O Nikao members Ben Patia, Anjima Ruarau and Kuraiti Rasmussen thrilled the audience with a lively ute as they took to the stage for a debate themed “My language is the basis of my life”.

Anjima Ruarau argued against the theme, saying that Māori was not used as often or as well as it should be at events because English was used in many official settings and people tended to speak English for the benefit of the minority – in any audience.

Kuraiti Rasmussen, also in the “pateo” group, said: “Te keteketa nei? No, what’s the point? Are Karioi won’t tell us – because we haven’t seen the importance of our language… Our language is invalid, people don’t understand or value the importance of our language.”

Rasmussen also pointed out that in parliament, members of parliament speak in English during meetings and school classes are taught in English.

She said the Cook Islands National Arts Theatre delegation sang only in Maori in Hawaii – “everything else was said in English”.

Taylor Williams said that to prove you are Maori, you only need a birth certificate and a seal. He stressed that Maori language cannot prove you are Āirani Kuki, but the seal can.

Toka Toka, speaking on behalf of the “akatika” group, supported the theme that Maori language is strong and alive, and gave the example of ancestors who understood the importance of language as an identity when they translated the Bible into Maori.