The Cook Island Cultural Experience

Kia Orana Bloggers,

Last week I was able to go to Rarotonga as part of the 2021 Manaiakalani Innovative Teacher programme to present my project. We got to share our journey so far with the educators from all around the Cook Islands. 

To get to know more about the beautiful Cook Islands we were hosted by Mark Harris and his school Te Oki Ou.

First we were formally welcomed by the school students and staff by organising a Turou (Cook Island welcome). We were each presented with a ei made of tipani or frangipani.

In the Cook islands, 'ei are used on many occasions, including receptions to welcome or farewell dignitaries, at graduations and even at funerals. 'Ei are a symbol of friendship, love and respect. 'Ei are also used by Cook Islanders in their everyday dress. 'Ei can be worn day or night, on special occasions, or just for completing one's dress when going out.  

Mark Harris with his senior leadership team providing us with a bit of a debrief before we are welcomed by their wonderful school (Students and Staff). 

The whole school performed a Turou (powhiri) of song, drumming and prayer. We were invited up to dance although I felt shy, the students made us feel very welcome.

The image on the right hand side shows our schedule while we were in Raro and being immersed in the cultural immersion through the school visits to six different schools.  

These activities, along with the drumming and screenprinting showed me how important the land and culture is to the Cook Island people. Like New Zealand there are other dominant cultures and the responsibility of  treasuring the Cook Island culture is not taken lightly by the schools we visited.

The hospitality shown to us was so generous as people welcomed us with open arms and delicious food.