Te Fuinga o Niva (Manihiki) has launched the first Cook Islands Reo Maori book in their language which is translated into English.

Titled Te Kapuanga o te hiti tangata o Fuinga o Niva – The history of the people from Te Fuinga o Niva, the book was published to assist young Manihikian’s in learning their language.

Ministry of Culture Secretary Anthony Turua, Minister of Culture George (Maggie) Angene, president of the Manihiki NZ Community, Principal Nehemia, Moeroa John and the New Zealand Cabinet Minister Poto Williams, who has ties to Manihiki, attended the launch of the book in New Zealand earlier this month.

Turua said: “Because the majority of Cook Islands kids speak English, and attend English speaking schools overseas, the purpose of the book’s translation is so kids can understand the meaning of what is written and to make it easier for them to learn their own language.”

Representatives from the other Pa Enua residing in NZ were invited to the launch and were fascinated, said Turua.

“We encourage other islands to do the same, and we can support the first production of the book.”

Discussion about the publication began last year, the interviews and collating of the book took some four to five years.

Anyone interested in purchasing the book can contact the Ministry of Culture for more information.