Te Pū‘ara Api‘i Pōtiki

Titikaveka Drummers

Our 'Āriki'anga Manu'iri was made even more special through the powerful sounds and presence of the Titikaveka Drummers.

Their drumming brought energy, pride, and deep cultural meaning to the arrival of our manuiri, setting the atmosphere for a day grounded in peu Māori and shared connection. Beyond the welcome, the group remained with us throughout the cultural exchange, supporting our tamariki and participating alongside our pēpi in activities that celebrated identity, rhythm, and culture.

This contribution reflected the importance of intergenerational learning and the role cultural performance plays in strengthening confidence and belonging within our young people.

We also acknowledge Principal Raewyn Morgan and Deputy Principal Beau Morgan for supporting this partnership and for encouraging the involvement of their Drummers within this important occasion.

Meitaki Rānuinui to Liam Marsters, Tanu Short, Ethan Short, Nooroaariki Tuaine, Tangiia Tupuna, Arhmani Meti, and Ngametua Matangaro for sharing your time, talent, and cultural pride with our puna.

Kia Orana e Miriana!

A huge Meitaki Rānuinui to this incredible mama who travelled all the way from Aotearoa with a suitcase full of stationery and supplies for our tamariki. Your generosity means the world to us and to every little one who walks through our doors.

*What moves us most is that you did not just show up with supplies. You showed up for our vision. The vision to keep our reo alive, to give our youngest tamariki a place where Cook Islands Māori is the language they wake up to every morning, play in, sing in, and grow in. A language that belongs to them.

We are a small team doing big work, and it is the support of people like Miriana that reminds us why we started and why we will not stop.

If you believe in what we are building, every share, every kind word, and every contribution brings us one step closer.

Meitaki Rānuinui e Miriana. You are part of our journey now. 🌺

Turou! Oro Mai!

On 27 April, Te Pū'ara Api'i Pōtiki Trust had the honour of welcoming Te Kōhanga Reo o Kākāriki to Rarotonga for a special cultural exchange, a moment that spoke directly to the heart of why we exist.

To welcome our distinguished guests, we were led by Renall Vogel, Principal of Te Papa Api'i o Rutaki and a proud champion of Cook Islands language and culture, with a traditional Takitumu Pe'e.

Our Arataki, led the turou that opened our event and called our guests onto our land with respect, with pride, and with deep cultural intention. His leadership in that moment reflected everything we aspire, a living connection to our peu Māori, expressed through ura, through reo, and through the protocols that have carried our identity across generations. Te Kōhanga Reo Trust has walked this path for over 40 years, and their commitment to the revitalisation of Te Reo Māori Nuti Reni is the blueprint we follow here in the Cook Islands.

This exchange was not just a visit, it was a bridge between two movements, two languages, and one shared purpose: to ensure our tamariki grow up knowing who they are.

We are grateful to Renall for grounding this moment in culture. His contribution to our journey does not go unnoticed. See our website story for more information about this https://tepuara.com/news

Turou! Aere Mai!

**Gwynalyn Ratumu**

Every strong organisation stands on clear direction and trusted people. Gwynalyn is central to both for Te Pu’ara Api’i Pōtiki.

As Trustee and Finance Lead, she safeguards the future of our Centre through disciplined financial management and careful planning that supports our long-term vision. Her decisions help ensure our vision is not only protected, but able to grow in a sustainable and meaningful way.

Gwynalyn strengthens our akonoanga by supporting the integration of peu Māori across our daily practice. This balance between structure and culture is essential to who we are.

Her role is not always visible, yet it is foundational. The direction we move in, and the stability we stand on, are shaped in part by her leadership.

Meitaki Rānuinui e Gwynalyn for the strength and clarity you bring to Te Pu’ara Api’i Pōtiki

See more about her and our story via tepuara.com

**Denny Vaine**

Marama plays a central role in Te Pu’ara Api’i Pōtiki as Trustee and Cultural Advisor.

During the recent visit of Te Kōhanga Reo o Kākāriki, Marama led the cultural aspects of the welcome, ensuring the day remained grounded in reo Māori, peu Māori, and piri'anga. From coordinating the akako’uko’u, to guiding the flow of the day’s activities, her leadership ensured our 'Āriki'anga Manu'iri stayed ontrack despite attendance growing to over 150 people.

What began as a small planned gathering became a large community-supported event. Marama carried the cultural responsibility with clarity and strength, while maintaining alignment with our tamariki routines and values.

Her contribution reflects the standard we uphold as we build a total immersion Māori childcare model in Rarotonga.

Meitaki Rānuinui e Marama for your leadership and commitment. See our website for more information https://tepuara.com/te-kohanga-reo-o-kakariki-visit-strengthens-cultural-exchange-in-rarotonga

Our Pēpē

At the heart of everything we do are our babies.

This special day was created for them. A space to connect, play, and share alongside the pēpē of Te Kōhanga Reo o Kākāriki.

On this day we shared time together on the cruise with the crew at Captain Tamas. They are the reason we continue this work. Nurturing identity, language, and belonging from the very beginning.

Meitaki Rānuinui to our pēpē for leading us.

See our website for more about our pēpē tepuara.com

*Photo taken while vehicle was stationary and children were supervised at all times. This was a staged moment. We do not support or promote unsafe transport practices.

Kia Orana e te Katoatoa,

Ka piri to matou are apii i teia:

Varaire ra 3 no Aperira 2026 e
Monite ra 6 no Aperira 2026

Ka oki mai matou i te ra 7 o Aperira 2026.

Kia Mataora to kotou orete Eseta.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16wuwMQghf/

Forget English, speak Māori’: Rutaki principal issues bold call for language revitalisation - Cook Islands News Te Papa ‘Āpi’i O Rutaki is moving ahead with a bold step to revitalise Cook Islands Māori language and culture, becoming the first primary school in Rarotonga to operate entirely in te reo Māori.