Kia orana kōtou katoatoa.
I wish to start by acknowledging, on behalf of New Zealand, representatives of mana enua – and specifically Pa ma Kainuku Ariki – the Cook Islands Government, and the Religious Advisory Council.
I also acknowledge Cook Islands scholar and former High Commissioner to New Zealand, Jon Jonassen, who I understand wrote the books in use here at Te Vānanga Are Tapere o Takitumu.
To all the teachers, whānau, and friends here today – thank you for your support of this cohort of students along their journey of learning.
And to our graduates – my warmest congratulations. Today is a very special and significant day, and represents the culmination of your own hard work and commitment. I hope you take today to celebrate your achievements with friends and family – and to thank all those, here or elsewhere, who have supported you in your studies.
As someone who fell in love with learning at a young age, and who has built a career advocating for young people and the value of education, I could not be happier to be with you for this wonderful occasion.
As Governor-General, I also feel honoured to visit Takitumu – and understand that not far from here, at Ngatangiia, seven vaka departed for Aotearoa New Zealand – in search of new beginnings and opportunities for the next generation. My own waka, Mataatua, left from that same sacred site.
It feels fitting that this vānanga be here, in this special place: symbolising a homecoming of sorts – a sense of circularity and continuation – as well as the strength of the bonds between Takitimu in Aotearoa, and Takitimu here in Rarotonga.
On that note, I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge Tama Turanga Huata, whose vision it was to create this school, in partnership with Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Tama’s life’s work was to ensure all descendants of Te Waka Takitumu knew ‘who they were and where they came from’. This vānanga is the culmination of this vision, brought to life by his daughter Narelle Huata, Pa Ariki ma Kainuku Ariki – and I acknowledge you and your work Narelle, in continuing and growing your father’s generous vision.
I understand that this is the Cook Islands’ first vānanga, and, as such, the hugely important role it will play in promoting and supporting the retention of the Cook Islands’ language and culture.
As Governor-General, I will do all I can to promote Te ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kuki Airani – Cook Islands Language Week – in New Zealand in just a few weeks’ time.
This year’s theme is: ‘Ātuitui’ia au ki te au peu o tōku kāinga Ipukarea – connect me to the traditions and culture of my homeland. It’s a theme that feels fitting, as I know that for Cook Islanders living in New Zealand – and around the world – language is a fundamental means of maintaining a sense of connection with these islands, and a sense of self.
As the whakataukī says: ‘Ko taku reo taku ohooho, ko taku reo taku māpihi mauria. My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul.’
My sincere congratulations once again all the teachers and students here today – for all the work you’ve done to make this day possible. I hope you do take time over the coming days to reflect on the significance of this inaugural graduation.
And finally, to today’s graduates: I urge you to never stop the journey of learning and self-discovery you began here. I wish you and indeed Te Vānanga Are Tapere o Takitumu all the very best for your future.
Manaaki whenua, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua.