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Learn Cook Islands Māori

Learn Cook Islands Māori

By: Tom Harrison and Junior Charlie
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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 160 - Pe'e (Chant) "Turou Oro Mai"
    Apr 7 2026

    From the book: Pe'e Māori Traditional Cook Islands Chants

    Author: Jon Tikivanotau Michael Jonassen

    Segment: 5.1.1.


    TUROU ORO MAI [Pe'e]

    Tūrou, Oro māi. Taka'i mai ki runga i teia paepae. Piki mai ki runga i teia toka mou. Te marae tapu o te matakeinanga. 'I konei tatou 'akatakapātoa ei. 'Iri'iri korero ei. Tākave ei. Iō-kokou.

    PRAISES WELCOME [Chant]

    Praises. Welcome. Step on this ground. Climb on this solid rock. Sacred ground of the tribe. Here we will exchange words, embrace and share our love. Almighty God bless us. Celebrate.


    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
    3 mins
  • Lesson 159 - Would you like to eat some (food)?
    Apr 3 2026

    Would you like to eat some (food)? = Ka inangaro koe i te kai _____?

    Apple = apara

    Banana = meika

    Eggs = uamoa

    Peanuts = aratita

    Potatoes = pitete

    Breadfruit = kuru


    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
    9 mins
  • Bonus 158.5 - I'm overthinking this intro!
    Apr 3 2026

    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
    3 mins
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What I like about this course is the size its not to long, like bite size lessons for a few minutes. Be good if it came with a pdf?

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