Cook Islanders in the Bay of Plenty were aiming to connect with one another and the wider community using their official language week from August 3-9.

BOP Pacific Island Community Trust chairman Bevan Rakoia said two main events were planned – a Tīvaevae Exhibit and a community cultural show – both at Tauranga’s The Cargo Shed.

The Tīvaevae Exhibit, created by the local Cook Island Mamas group, is on show for the public at The Cargo Shed from August 6-8. The event will showcase tīvaevae – traditional, brightly coloured, woven and treasured quilts – from 10am to 4pm daily. Entry is via a gold coin donation.

Rakoia said the Mamas were using the event to celebrate 20 years since they first came together to learn the traditional art of tīvaevae making. “This exhibit is a special opportunity to showcase their treasured handmade pieces and share their cultural knowledge with the wider community. Their efforts ensure the art of tīvaevae continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Cook Island Mamas group members Janine Lowe and Rosa Rakoia are ready to celebrate the official Cook Islands language week from August 3-9.Photo / Brydie Thompson

The Mamas often engage with schools, retirement villages and textile groups to inspire others to learn and carry forward these cultural traditions. Throughout the week, the group will be available to schools to teach students how to make tīvaevae and ei katu – traditional head garlands, encouraging children to participate in Cook Islands Māori language and culture.

A community cultural event at The Cargo Shed on Saturday, August 9, from 10.30am to 2pm will show Pacific youth groups and the Tauranga Moana Cook Island Culture Group’s performances.

Rakoia said the language week’s theme – ‘Ātui’tui’ia au ki te raurau a tōku matakeinanga", which translates to “Connect me to the offerings of my people” – was chosen to encourage Cook Islanders in New Zealand and further afield to reconnect with their cultural, linguistic and spiritual gifts.

Furthermore, he said, the week was an opportunity for Bay-based Cook Islanders to connect with one another, as well as the 100 seasonal workers who journey here to work in the kiwifruit sector. “They tend not to have the opportunity to engage with the community. This is an opportunity to bridge that gap because they contribute to our region just as much as the resident [Cook Islanders] do.”

The week also had much deeper meaning, said Rakoia. It celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Cook Islands’ nation’s self-governance. Rakoia said it’s for Cook Islanders to reaffirm their pride in being Tāngata Kūki’ Āirani and acknowledge the resilience, adaptability and vision of their leaders and communities since the 1965 signing of self-governance in free association with New Zealand.

“This theme speaks to identity, inheritance, and unity. It invites our people, young and old, to draw from the collective strength of our matakeinanga [extended family, tribe, or village community] and to actively participate in revitalising our reo Kūki’ Āirani and cultural practices.”