Learn Cook Islands Māori cover art

Learn Cook Islands Māori

Learn Cook Islands Māori

By: Tom Harrison and Junior Charlie
Listen for free

About this listen

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/kukilearningTom Harrison and Junior Charlie Language Learning
Episodes
  • Lesson 153 - Common kitchen items
    Sep 30 2025

    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

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Lesson 152 - 13 Facts about the Cook Islands
    Sep 29 2025

    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


    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Bonus 151.5 - "Know your heritage" with Danny Mataroa
    Sep 20 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/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Podcast:

    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.