Cook Islands Language Week: Dr Mata Daniel

Updates / Community

Kia orana, our staff at Etu Clinic share some of their favourite Kuki traditions and where they hail from. Starting us off this week, we have Dr Mata Daniel. Dr Mata is a proud, born and raised Cook Islander and she shares the importance of preserving the Cook Islands language.

Tell us where do you hail from in the Cook Islands?

My paternal grandfather is from Aitutaki and my paternal grandmother is from Palmerston Island. My maternal grandfather is from Atiu and my maternal grandmother is from Rarotonga.

I am a proud Cook Islander, born and raised in Rarotonga. Now living in NZ, being involved with our cultural events makes me feel connected to home.

Could you share a cherished family tradition or cultural practice from your Cook Islands background that you hold close to your heart?

I love sitting with our elderly and listening to their stories about how life was during their younger days.
Children get to eat first.
House needs to be cleaned first thing in the mornings and in the evenings.
Take your shoes off at the door.
Having household devotions every day

Food is often a significant part of any culture. What is your favourite traditional Cook Islands dish?

I love raw fish, Cook Islands mayonnaise, taro and chop suey.

What is your favourite Cook Islands proverb, quote, verse, song etc?

Aue taku tane – Willie Crummer
I raro I te tumunu – Apii Nicholas

What role does the Cook Islands language play in preserving and passing down the cultural knowledge and values of your homeland?

Our language is so rich, that if you are able to fully understand it, it can literally paint the picture and the feelings that go with the picture (through our songs and stories).

It’s ura piani (around the world) time, what do you do when someone asks you to dance?

Go and have fun, and try my best to keep up!

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