Cook Islander Tauraki Rongo a prominent Pacific Media Network broadcaster based in Aotearoa New Zealand is known for his efforts in promoting and preserving the culture, heritage and language of the Cook Islands.

With a deep passion for his roots, Rongo has become a vital voice in the Cook Islands Pacific community in Aotearoa, using media as a powerful tool to educate and engage audiences about the traditions and values of the Cook Islands.

His work not only highlights the significance of the Cook Islands language and culture but is also encouraging for younger generations to connect with their cultural identity.

Through his engaging broadcasts and community initiative, he illustrates the vital role of media in sustaining cultural narratives and promoting diversity in New Zealand’s multicultural landscape.

Cook Islands News met with Rongo last month while he was in Rarotonga for a break to gain more insight on Cook Islands and culture in Aotearoa.

“Personally, I travel around the country (Aotearoa) and I leave myself open to criticism so people are used to me, and I take people’s views into account,” said Rongo.

“That’s what I enjoy at PMN (a digital media and entertainment platform for all Pacific people), the freedom to work with our Cook Islands people.”

Cook Islander Ernestina Maru has also been at PMN for several years now, and Caroline Bishop from Aitutaki jumped on board last year.

Rongo said it is good to see the younger ones on board the broadcasting programme.

“When Ernestina started our ratings just jumped,” he said.

“They know how to use the platform on social media, and it's a good time to help our people.”

Te Maeva Nui Aotearoa is the biggest Māori Cook Islands festival in Aotearoa bringing Cook Islands cultural practices to Cook Islanders living in New Zealand - an avenue for the preservation of Māori Language, Heritage and Culture. It is held every two years.

“This huge event in Aotearoa draws our mapu (youth),” said Rongo.

However, he believes more cultural aspects like Māori korero (language) should be introduced instead of focusing on just the dancing aspect of our culture.

“If we really want our youth to learn and grasp more of our culture, our language, then you feed them. Why not add value?”

Rongo hopes that in the future Te Maeva Nui teams in Aotearoa will be given the opportunity to compete in Rarotonga - a way forward for the mapu in Aotearoa, to come to the motherland and immerse themselves in culture.

The Cook Islands Māori Language week in Aotearoa has become very interactive in the past few years.

“It’s important for you to know where you come from,” said Rongo.

“I think there is more effort on our side to try and form a strategy to akaora our reo (revive our Māori).

“While here, this is our land, this is the place where it should be done.”

Rongo was a member of the Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ) based in South Auckland, Mangere that has a mandate to increase social and local economic development by supporting individuals and families to actively participate in initiatives that can generate financial wellness. He continues to get involved, be a part of, promote and support Cook Islands heritage in Aotearoa.