Learn Cook Islands Māori

Tom Harrison and Junior Charlie
  • 5.0 (1)
  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Planning a trip to Rarotonga? You could just land, sip a cocktail, and nod politely at the locals while having zero clue what they’re saying. Or you could actually learn some Cook Islands Māori and stop pretending. Tom and Charlie deliver bite-sized lessons that sneak the language into your head without the boring classroom vibe. From formal phrases that’ll impress the aunties, to casual talk for everyday life, to the kind of slang your grandma would definitely disapprove of! Book your seat (or just subscribe, it’s cheaper): Email: info@kukilearning.com Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning

  1. Lesson 157 - Would you like to eat?

    1D AGO

    Lesson 157 - Would you like to eat?

    Ka inangaro koe i te kai? Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes. These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters). Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place. Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request. Web: https://kukilearning.com/ Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Language lessons: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

    4 min
  2. Lesson 156 - Would you like to go/walk?

    FEB 10

    Lesson 156 - Would you like to go/walk?

    Ka inangaro koe i te aere? (aere mai = come) Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes. These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters). Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place. Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request. Web: https://kukilearning.com/ Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Language lessons: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

    7 min
  3. Lesson 155 - I live/stay in (place).

    FEB 5

    Lesson 155 - I live/stay in (place).

    I live/stay in _____. = E no’o ana au ki _____. I live/stay in Aitutaki = E no’o ana au ki Aitutaki. I live/stay in Otara = E no’o ana au ki Otara. I live/stay in Christchurch = E no’o ana au ki Christchurch. I live/stay in America = E no’o ana au ki America (Marike in CI Maori). I live/stay in Japan = E no’o ana au ki Japan. Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes. These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters). Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place. Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request. Web: https://kukilearning.com/ Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Language lessons: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

    7 min
  4. Bonus 154.5 - Should the Cook Islands change their flag?

    FEB 5 · BONUS

    Bonus 154.5 - Should the Cook Islands change their flag?

    I asked a simple question and didn’t expect the response it got. What followed was a flood of raw, unfiltered opinions that quickly turned into something much bigger than a flag. I unpack what people actually said, why emotions ran high, and what this says about identity, priorities, and trust in leadership in the Cook Islands. No spin. No sugar coating. Just the voices that showed up. Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes. These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters). Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place. Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request. Web: https://kukilearning.com/ Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Language lessons: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

    9 min
  5. Lesson 154 - Where do you live/stay?

    JAN 31

    Lesson 154 - Where do you live/stay?

    Where do you live/stay? = E no’o ana koe kī'ea? Join the boys from Kuki Learning whose aim is keep the Cook Island's Māori language and culture alive, by sharing it worldwide. Hosted by Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison who both grew up in Aitutaki and have collective ties to the islands of Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. They now reside in Aotearoa New Zealand and regularly fly home. Feel free to send topics you'd like them to teach via email at info@kukilearning.com Web: ⁠https://kukilearning.com/⁠ Other content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

    5 min
  6. Bonus 153.5 - Recording the perfect episode is HARD!

    12/03/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus 153.5 - Recording the perfect episode is HARD!

    Kia Orana all! This is a light-hearted update episode where I return to the mic and talk openly about juggling adulthood, the rush toward Christmas, and the pressure to make everything perfect. I share why consistency matters more than perfection and outline a renewed focus on delivering regular content. Lets go!! Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes. These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters). Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place. Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request. Web: https://kukilearning.com/ Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Language lessons: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

    5 min
  7. Lesson 153 - Common kitchen items

    09/30/2025

    Lesson 153 - Common kitchen items

    Bring me the ____? Apai mai te____? Pot/pan = pāni  frying pan = varai pāni Plate = mereki Cup = kapu Fork = kokai Knife = tipi Spoon = tipunu Lid = papani Oven = umu Fridge/freezer = pia anuanu/pia akaanuanu Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes. These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters). Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place. Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request. Web: https://kukilearning.com/ Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Language lessons: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

    11 min
  8. Lesson 152 - 13 Facts about the Cook Islands

    09/29/2025

    Lesson 152 - 13 Facts about the Cook Islands

    Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes. These days, they’re based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they juggle real life with their side hustle of teaching language, culture, and the occasional life lesson nobody asked for. Don’t worry, they still fly back home regularly (mostly for island food, family, and a break from NZ winters). Their goal? Share the language and culture worldwide in a way that’s fun, easy, and sometimes slightly unhinged. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Cook Islands Māori without sitting in a boring classroom, you’re in the right place. Got a topic? Flick an email to info@kukilearning.com Bonus points if it’s weirder than the last request. Web: https://kukilearning.com/ Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Language lessons: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kukilearning/subscribe

    5 min
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About

Planning a trip to Rarotonga? You could just land, sip a cocktail, and nod politely at the locals while having zero clue what they’re saying. Or you could actually learn some Cook Islands Māori and stop pretending. Tom and Charlie deliver bite-sized lessons that sneak the language into your head without the boring classroom vibe. From formal phrases that’ll impress the aunties, to casual talk for everyday life, to the kind of slang your grandma would definitely disapprove of! Book your seat (or just subscribe, it’s cheaper): Email: info@kukilearning.com Social: https://linktr.ee/kukilearning

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Harrison and Junior Charlie
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    161
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tom Harrison and Junior Charlie
  • Show Website
    Learn Cook Islands Māori