A new bestselling book about the Cook Islands, written

By A Local Author

Rarotonga-based author Jean Tekura Mason wrote both the English and Cook Islands Māori text of Cook Islands – Kūki ‘Airani to outline key aspects of life, culture and history in her country. This colourful paperback sets out the seven pillars of life in the Cook Islands, with concise text on key aspects of the nation.

L aunched in March 2023, this small book is already in its first reprint. It is a book designed for those who want a broad overview of Cook Islands language, values, culture, geography, weather, flora, fauna, history and people.

The book is bilingual and gives the discerning tourist a window into the country they are visiting and the Cook Islands Maori language.

“It tells us that love and compassion (ngakau aro’a), family and blood connections (kopu tangata), being peaceful and gentle (marū), obedience to elders (kauraro), bearing one’s cross quietly (akakoromaki), humility (aka’aka) and faith (‘irinaki’anga) are foundation values for Cook Islands Maori people,” said author Jean Tekura Mason.

“But we also learn that īka mata (marinated fish in coconut cream), poke (mashed fruit baked in arrowroot), taro (root vegetable), ariri (turban snail) and ūnga kaveu (coconut crab) are the staples and delicacies Cook Islanders enjoy and you too should have the opportunity to try”.

There is a brief synopsis of the colourful modern history of the islands. Captain William Bligh visited Aitutaki on HMS Bounty just 17 days before he was overthrown by Fletcher Christian and his mutineers on 28 April 1789. The first known

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European explorers to sight Pukapuka and Rakahanga were Spanish, Suwarrow Russian, Manihiki American, and Atiu, Ma’uke and Mitiaro English. We find out there are many varieties of plants and their close connection to traditional Maori life in the islands –through the making of rope, clothing, hats, houses, food and medicine. We get an insight into the importance of the revival of the art of tattoo (tatau) and ocean-going canoe voyaging (vaka purua), the custom of hair cutting, the investiture of ariki (chiefs), the art of tivaivai (quilt) making and the significance of dancing in Cook Islands Maori society.

“This book is heavily Illustrated with images from around the Cook Islands. It’s a compact little book with all the basic knowledge you would need to know about a country you are visiting for the first time, including key phrases such as greetings (kia ora āna), numbers (1= tai) and goodbye (aere ra). It is ideally suited for the busy but discerning tourist visiting the Cook Islands”.

The book retails from $24 to $26 and can be purchased in Rarotonga at CITC Main Store in Avarua, Cook Islands Library & Museum Society at Avarua; Bounty Bookshop in Avarua, and CITC Duty Free at Rarotonga Airport. The book is also available in many New Zealand and online bookshops, and also through the publisher oratia.co.nz