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Learn Cook Islands Māori

by Tom Harrison and Junior Charlie

Education

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: [email protected]: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Aug 29, 2026. Source feed.

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Episodes

  1. Lesson 164 - Are you okay?

    Are you okay? = Te mako nei koe? Other ways to say: Te mako uara koe? Informal: mako? = okay? good? 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?).…

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  2. Lesson 163 -  Would you like some medicine?

    Would you like some medicine? = Ka inangaro koe i te vairakau? Medicine = vairakau Clothes = kakau Fruits = ua rakau 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...

  3. Lesson 162 -  Would you like to drink water?

    Would you like to drink water? = Ka inangaro koe i te inu vai? water = vai coconut water = nu alcohol = kava 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...

  4. Bonus 161 - Sorry life was busy!

    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,...

  5. Bonus 160 - Study Cook Islands Māori for free in New Zealand

    Think learning Cook Islands Māori costs money? Turns out there are actually free ways to study it right here in New Zealand. In this video, I’ll show you where to find them before you spend money on something Google could've told you for free. Your ancestors are judging your Duolingo streak. Time...

  6. Lesson 160 - Pe'e (Chant) "Turou Oro Mai"

    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...

  7. Lesson 159 -  Would you like to eat some (food)?

    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…

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  8. Bonus 158.5 - I'm overthinking this intro!

    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,...

  9. Lesson 158 - Would you like to drink?

    Ka inangaro koe i te inu? 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…

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  10. Lesson 157 - Would you like to eat?

    Ka inangaro koe i te kai? 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…

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  11. Lesson 156 - Would you like to go/walk?

    Ka inangaro koe i te aere? (aere mai = come) 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...

  12. Lesson 155 - I live/stay in (place).

    I live/stay in _____. = E no’o ana au ki _____. I live/stay in Aitutaki = E no’o ana au ki Aitutaki. I live/stay in Otara = E no’o ana au ki Otara. I live/stay in Christchurch = E no’o ana au ki Christchurch. I live/stay in America = E no’o ana au ki America (Marike in CI Maori). I live/stay in...

  13. Bonus 154.5 - Should the Cook Islands change their flag?

    I asked a simple question and didn’t expect the response it got. What followed was a flood of raw, unfiltered opinions that quickly turned into something much bigger than a flag. I unpack what people actually said, why emotions ran high, and what this says about identity, priorities, and trust in...

  14. Lesson 154 - Where do you live/stay?

    Where do you live/stay? = E no’o ana koe kī'ea? Join the boys from Kuki Learning whose aim is keep the Cook Island's Māori language and culture alive, by sharing it worldwide. Hosted by Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison who both grew up in Aitutaki and have collective ties to the islands of...

  15. Bonus 153.5 - Recording the perfect episode is HARD!

    Kia Orana all! This is a light-hearted update episode where I return to the mic and talk openly about juggling adulthood, the rush toward Christmas, and the pressure to make everything perfect. I share why consistency matters more than perfection and outline a renewed focus on delivering regular...

  16. Lesson 153 - Common kitchen items

    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?…

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  17. Lesson 152 - 13 Facts about the Cook Islands

    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,...

  18. Bonus 151.5 - "Know your heritage" with Danny Mataroa

    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...

  19. Lesson 151 - Introduction Practice (Very Basic)

    Ready to sound like you actually know what you’re saying in Māori? In this episode, we cover the essentials: saying hello without looking awkward, asking “How are you?” (and actually knowing how to reply), introducing yourself like a pro, and even asking where someone’s from without sounding like…

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  20. Bonus 150.5 - "I'm a warrior of the Cook Islands!" with Teremoana Junior

    We speak with Teremoana Teremoana Jnr, a heavyweight boxer fighting out of Australia and representing his Cook Islands heritage. 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…

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  21. Lesson 150 - Common clothing items

    Where's your ____? Tei’ea toou ____? Shirt = pona T-Shirt = piriaro Pants = piripou roaroa Shorts = piripou Hat = pare Jacket/Coat = pereue Socks = totini Shoes = tamaka Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the...

  22. Lesson 149 - Parts of the Body: Inside

    Where’s the _____ ? = Tei’ea te _____? Brain = roro Lungs = atemāmā Heart = pukuatu Blood = toto Bone = ivi Urine = mimi Faeces = tutae Earwax = taringa pata Sweat = ‘ou Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it with the...

  23. Lesson 148 - Parts of the Body: Head

    Hair = rouru, (rauru) Eye = mata Eyes = ngā mata Ear = taringa Mouth = va’a Cheek = paparinga Chin = tānga Teeth = ni’o Tongue = arero Beard = uruuru ta’a, (uruuru va’a) Neck = kāki, (karaponga) Nose = putāngio, (puteao) Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori...

  24. Bonus 147.5 - "Our language is being challenged" with Vae Papatua | Cook Islands Language Week 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...

  25. Lesson 147 - Parts of the Body: General

    My (hand) hurts/My (hand) is sore = Mamae toku (rima). Head = katu (Rarotonga dialect) Head = upoko (Aitutaki dialect) Shoulders = pakuivi Stomach = kopu Back = mokotua (Rarotonga dialect) Back = tautua (Aitutaki dialect) Arm/Hands = rima finger nails = mangamanga rima Legs/feet = vaevae Toe…

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  26. Lesson 146 - Saying “My (body part) hurts”

    Mamae toku (____) = My (____) is sore Mamae toku (____) = My (____) hurts Mamae = sore, pain, painful, hurt 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...

  27. Bonus 145.5 - Why say “Cook Islands” before “Māori”?

    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...

  28. Lesson 145 - Saying “I am hot”

    I am hot = Kua vera au/E vera toku Vera = hot Anu = cold 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...

  29. Bonus 144.5 - "Don't be afraid to make mistakes" with Tom Harrison | Cook Islands Language Week 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...

  30. Lesson 144 - Saying “I am cold”

    I am cold = Kua anu au/E anu toku Anu = cold Vera = hot 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…

    more

  31. Bonus 143.5 - The Ode of Remembrance in Cook Islands’ Māori

    Online source: Kare ratou e pakari, mei a ratou e vai nei, e pakari atu ra. Kare e tuatua e akaroi ia ratou, kare katoa te mataiti, e akaapa ia ratou. Mei te ra e opu atu ra i te aiai, e te itianga mai o te ra i te popongi. E akamaara tatou ia ratou. English Version: They shall grow not old, as…

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  32. Lesson 143 - Saying “I am sick”

    Kua maki au = I am sick/ill E maki toku = I have an illness Maki = sick, ill, sickness, illness, goofy/silly 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...

  33. Lesson 142 - Saying “Go away/Get lost”

    Go away = Aere atu! = Ere atu! Get lost = Tangaro iatu koe! 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...

  34. Bonus 141.5 - The Ode of Remembrance in Cook Islands’ Māori by Tom Harrison

    Interpreted by Tom Harrison Kare ratou e pakari, mei a tatou rai te ka pakari. Kare te mataiti e ‘akamauiui ia ratou, e kare katoa e ‘aka’apa. I te iti’anga ra o te ra e i te popongi. Ka ‘akama’ara ua rae tatou, ia ratou. English Version They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age...

  35. Lesson 141 - Saying “Come home" and "Return home”

    Come home = Aere mai ki te kainga Return home = Oki mai ki te kainga Home = kainga/ngutuare 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...

  36. Lesson 140 - Asking “What's the plan tomorrow?"

    Eaa te parani apopo? = What's the plan tomorrow? Parani = plan Apopo = tomorrow 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...

  37. Lesson 139 - Asking “What's the plan tonight?”

    Eaa te parani i teia po? = What's the plan tonight? This night (Tonight) = i teia po Po = night 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…

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  38. Lesson 138 - Asking “What's the plan today?”

    Eaa te parani i teia ra? = What's the plan today? This day (Today) = i teia ra 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...

  39. Lesson 137 - 5 replies to “What's the plan?”

    Nothing = Kare pakau (Aitutaki dialect), Nothing = Kare apinga (Rarotonga dialect), I don't know = Kare au (i) kite, You tell me = Akakite mai koe, Eat/eating= kai kai (Rarotonga dialect), Eat/eating= kai manga (Aitutaki dialect), Outing/touristing = Koka (Rarotonga dialect), Outing/touristing =...

  40. Lesson 136 - Asking “What's the plan?”

    Eaa te parani? = What's the plan? 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,...

  41. Lesson 135 - Learning “Yesterday, Today, Tonight, Tomorrow”

    nanai/inanai = yesterday teia ra (this day) = today teia po (this night) = tonight apopo = tomorrow 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...

  42. Bonus 134 - How many native languages in the Cook Islands?

    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...

  43. Lesson 133 - Saying "Bring me the (item)"

    Apai mai te (item) = Bring me the (item). Common nouns: book=puka, keys=taviri, money=moni, pen=peni, chair=no’oanga, bag=kete, cup=kapu, plate=mereki, towel=tauera, bottle=moina Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive; and share it...

  44. Lesson 132 - Saying “I’m studying/schooling now”

    I'm studying now = Te apii nei au, i teia taime. (Formal) I'm studying now = Apii nei au teia taime. (Informal) I'm studying = Te apii nei au. (Formal) I'm studying = Apii nei au. (Informal) Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive…

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  45. Lesson 131 - Saying “I'm working now"

    I'm working now = Te angaanga nei au, i teia taime. (Formal) I'm working now = Angaanga nei au teia taime. (Informal) I'm working = Te angaanga nei au. (Formal) I'm working = Angaanga nei au. (Informal) Join the team at ⁠Kuki Learning⁠ as they work to keep the Cook Islands Māori language and...

  46. Bonus 130.5 - Don't bullshit yourself! Don't learn Māori if you don't want it.

    If you don’t actually want to learn the language, stop wasting everyone’s time. This episode calls out the half-hearted and challenges you to be honest with yourself. No sugar-coating. Just the truth about what it really takes to learn Cook Islands Māori. Auii!! Whether you're a beginner or...

  47. Lesson 130 - Asking “What is your first/last name?”

    Koai toou ingoa? = What is your name? Koai toou ingoa openga? = What is your last name? ingoa = name openga = last, end 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…

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  48. Lesson 129 - Saying “Thank you very much”

    meitaki maata = thank you very much (Rarotonga) meitaki atupaka = thank you very much (Aitutaki) meitaki = good, thanks, maata/atupaka = big, many, large 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…

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  49. Lesson 128 - Saying “Goodbye”

    ka kite = see you/see ya aere ra = walk then/go then (said by the person staying) e noo ake ra = I’ll leave you to it (said by the person leaving) 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,...

  50. Lesson 127 - Saying “Hello”

    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...

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About this show

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: [email protected]: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning

Hosted by

Tom Harrison and Junior Charlie

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does Learn Cook Islands Māori have?

Learn Cook Islands Māori has 170 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on August 28, 2026.

What is Learn Cook Islands Māori about?

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...

How often does Learn Cook Islands Māori release new episodes?

Learn Cook Islands Māori publishes weekly, based on its 170 episodes since February 2023.

Who hosts Learn Cook Islands Māori?

Learn Cook Islands Māori is created and hosted by Tom Harrison and Junior Charlie.
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