How Whanganui is celebrating Cook Islands Language Week

Whanganui Cook Islands Community chairman Nga Apai is looking forward to a week full of celebrations as part of Cook Islands Language Week. Photo / Bevan Conley

Whanganui's Cook Island community is all set for their annual celebrations of their culture and language.

Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani: Cook Islands Language Week runs from Sunday through to August 7, with a full schedule of celebrations planned for Whanganui.

This year's theme is Ātuitui'ia au ki te Oneone o tōku 'Ui Tupuna which in English means, Connect me to the soil of my ancestors.

Whanganui Cook Islands Community chairman Nga Apai said the week was about reflecting on the importance of holding the cultural and language knowledge to keep the connection to the homelands alive.

"Being brought up in New Zealand, we have lost some of our culture. We have adapted to the New Zealand way of life.

"Language week is one of those weeks where we can pass on what we know."

The group have activities planned throughout the week, with the flagship event being the opening of their newly renovated church facility on Puriri St on Thursday.

"The opening on Thursday will be the big one. A lot of guests from out of town will be coming. We've been pushing the contractors to get everything finished. Timing is good, but we just wanted to fit it into Cook Island Language Week."

On Sunday, there will be a flag raising ceremony followed by a White Sunday church service.

On Monday and Tuesday, there will be a working bee for final preparations as well as making gifts for Thursday's ceremony.

"We will start making our necklaces and headwear for all of our guests."

On Friday, there will be a music day followed by the Kuki Airani Community Cook Off on Saturday, where subcommittees of the Whanganui Cook Island Community will be creating meals for three judges.

"We are giving them a packet of vermicelli, a can of coconut cream and $50 and they have to come up with a two-course meal. We hope to have this every year and carry on the tradition of cooking Island food and serving it to their guests."

Apai said they're excited for a week full of celebrations, surrounded by friends, family and good food.

"We are just buzzing. It is great exposure for those from the Cook Islands in New Zealand. If we didn't have language week, we would be lost in another 10 years as the older generation passes away and then our kids lose it."