Bring me the ____? Apai mai te____?
Pot/pan = pāni
frying pan = varai pāni
Plate = mereki
Cup = kapu
Fork = kokai
Knife = tipi
Spoon = tipunu
Lid = papani
Oven = umu
Fridge/freezer = pia anuanu/pia akaanuanu
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/kukilearning
Language 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/kukilearning
Language 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/kukilearning
Podcast:
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 1
A: Kia orāna, pe’ea koe?
B: Meitaki au. Pe’ea koe?
A. Meitaki.
Conversation 2
A: Koai tōou ‘ingoa?
B. Toku ingoa ko May. Koai tōou?
A. Toku ingoa ko Tom.
Conversation 3
B. 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 kite
B: 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/kukilearning
Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe
Where's your ____? Tei’ea toou ____?
Shirt = pona
T-Shirt = piriaro
Pants = piripou roaroa
Shorts = piripou
Hat = pare
Jacket/Coat = pereue
Socks = totini
Shoes = tamaka
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/kukilearning
Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe
Where’s the _____ ? = Tei’ea te _____?
Brain = roro
Lungs = atemāmā
Heart = pukuatu
Blood = toto
Bone = ivi
Urine = mimi
Faeces = tutae
Earwax = taringa pata
Sweat = ‘ou
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/kukilearning
Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe
Hair = rouru, (rauru)
Eye = mata
Eyes = ngā mata
Ear = taringa
Mouth = va’a
Cheek = paparinga
Chin = tānga
Teeth = ni’o
Tongue = arero
Beard = 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/kukilearning
Podcast:
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/kukilearning
Podcast:
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 = pakuivi
Stomach = kopu
Back = mokotua (Rarotonga dialect)
Back = tautua (Aitutaki dialect)
Arm/Hands = rima
finger nails = mangamanga rima
Legs/feet = vaevae
Toe nails = mangamanga vaevae
Knees = turi
Bum = 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/kukilearning
Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe
Mamae toku (____) = My (____) is sore
Mamae toku (____) = My (____) hurts
Mamae = sore, pain, painful, hurt
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/kukilearning
Podcast:
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/kukilearning
Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe
I am hot = Kua vera au/E vera toku
Vera = hot
Anu = cold
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/kukilearning
Podcast:
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/kukilearning
Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe
I am cold = Kua anu au/E anu toku
Anu = cold
Vera = hot
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/kukilearning
Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe
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/kukilearning
Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe
Kua maki au = I am sick/ill
E maki toku = I have an illness
Maki = sick, ill, sickness, illness, goofy/silly
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/kukilearning
Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe
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/kukilearning
Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe
Interpreted by Tom Harrison
Kare 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 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/kukilearning
Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe
Come home = Aere mai ki te kainga
Return home = Oki mai ki te kainga
Home = kainga/ngutuare
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/kukilearning
Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe