E Reo Noku, Episode 4 -
Pamati-Palmerston Island

TITLE: Unique settlement of traditional English culture and language of Palmerston. 

PRESENTERS: Caroline Akakaingaro Marsters Raea, Moses Jacob Marsters, Tepaeru Marsters Mata, Kaurakura Marsters Firth, Grace Sarina Hutton and Teinano Hutton

DESCRIPTION History of Pamati – William Marsters had 5 wives four of them from Tongareva Arehata, Akakaingaro, Tepautinioi, Matauia and Tepauru from Mangaia. Carl Marsters Warrant Officer/Sergeant Major and served in WW1, highest ranked Cook Islander.

Life on Palmerston Island, now learning the Cook Island Māori, their main language was old English. When the missionaries arrived on Palmerston they also brought traditional hymn singing from Rarotonga. The women were noted for their perepere abilities.

Fishing and community functions, church gatherings, food – and feasts are held on the main road to share with everyone, weaving, roles of women and men. Effect it has on families integrating Rarotonga lifestyle/culture. Especially children attending school when Cook Island isn’t their main language.

Children were sent to English speaking school, but the tests they did they weren’t familiar with the content because they had never seen most of the animals e.g. horses. Mama Caroline would like children to learn English before Māori because the English language would support them in learning the Cook Island reo