Akarongo mai! Cook Islands culture celebrated
Akarongo mai! Cook Islands culture celebrated
Police staff of Cook Islands heritage celebrated their culture last week during Cook Island Language Week 2016.
Members of Police’s new Cook Islands Internal Support Network (ISN) created a series of videos featuring colleagues of Cook Islands heritage - and otherwise - speaking simple phrases in Cook Island Te Reo.
The week started with Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Richard Chambers saying ‘Kia orana’ (Hello); and concluded with 'Aere ra' (Goodbye) from Tairawhiti Area Commander Inspector Tamuera ‘Sam’ Aberahama.
Also involved were Youth Development Project manager Hol Kairua (Waitematā), Constable Aaron Marsters (Auckland City), Detective Inspector David Lynch (Counties Manukau), Constable Anne Napara (Counties Manukau) and Constable Nga Meti (Waitematā).
The videos were posted on Police social media throughout the week and shared with community networks, racking up more than 50,000 views.
The ISN has 50-plus members, mainly from Auckland districts but with strong input from Sam (Eastern), the highest-ranked officer of Cook Islands heritage.
ISN Vice-chairman Constable Nga Paratainga, of Mt Roskill CPT, says the Language Week was a timely opportunity to make a statement.
“Our purpose is to support colleagues where needed, mentor current and future colleagues and encourage recruitment of more Cook Island people into Police,” he says.
“Our monthly meetings have seen our numbers steadily grow and interest increase. We intend to spread our network nationwide.”
The ISN met for the first time in March, with great support from Auckland's Cook Islands community.
Photos from the inaugural meeting by Senior Sergeant Ivan Tarlton, Counties Manukau District.
Try some everyday phrases:
Kia orana – hello
Akarongo mai - listen here
Pe’ea koe? - how are you?
Anau – family
Meitaki au - I’m fine
Meitaki ma’ata - thank you
Aere ra - goodbye