Te Atua te aro‘a iā tautou katoatoa — God is love for us all.
It was a moment of deep joy and gratitude as we celebrated the launch of the newly updated and reformatted edition of Te Bibilia Tapu Ra, the Cook Islands Māori Bible at special dedication service at the Pacific Islands Presbyterian Church in Auckland on Saturday 28 February.
This is more than the release of a book. It is the renewal of a taonga — a treasured vessel of faith, language, identity, and heritage for the Cook Islands Māori people.
For generations, this Bible has helped guide families, strengthen churches, and nurture faith. Now, a new edition ensures that God’s Word in Cook Islands Māori will continue to serve both present and future generations.
https://youtube.com/embed/LGxYDbvYtsw?si=aeVlVVYE6doYXkrm
Why this work became necessary
A few years ago, an important challenge arose. The original printing plates used for the 1972 edition, aluminium plates that had served faithfully for more than 50 years, had deteriorated beyond use.
At the same time, the Cook Islands Māori Bible was being digitised to ensure it could be preserved and made freely available on digital platforms.
These two developments created a significant opportunity. Rather than simply replacing the old plates, it became clear that this was the right moment to refresh the presentation of the Bible while carefully preserving the integrity of the text.
The goal was simple: honour the work of earlier generations while making the Bible easier to read and use today.
A labour of dedication and faith
The work required great care and patience.
Under the leadership of the late Marina Robati-Mani and her husband, Rev. Robert Robati-Mani, volunteers from the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Australia carefully typed, checked, and verified the entire biblical text.
This was meticulous work. Every verse was reviewed to correct typographical errors and ensure consistency, while protecting the original meaning of the text. Only clear printing errors were corrected with the biblical text itself remains unchanged.
We are also grateful to the digitisation team at the University of Toronto, who helped provide beautiful historic Rarotongan maps from 1888, allowing these treasures to be restored in this new edition.
What is new in this edition
While the biblical text remains exactly the same, the reading experience has been thoughtfully improved.
This new edition includes:
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A larger, clearer font to improve readability for all ages
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Arabic numerals replacing Roman numerals for chapter references
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Cross-references placed at the bottom of each page
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The spoken words of Jesus printed in red
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Updated contents pages for easier navigation
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Beautiful traditional covers, with both zip and non-zip options
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And for the first time in many years, a limited number of pulpit Bibles for church use
These changes make the Bible easier to read and use while maintaining the dignity and beauty of the original work.
A shared effort across churches and nations
This project has been a remarkable example of partnership.
Members of the Bibilia Tapu Review Committee from several church traditions worked together to guide the project. Technical specialists and Bible scholars also contributed their expertise, along with teams supporting typesetting, printing, and distribution.
It has truly been an ecumenical and international effort, marked by service, humility, and unity.
A Bible for generations to come
For generations, Te Bibilia Tapu Rā has played an important role in the spiritual life of Cook Islands Māori communities. It has helped shape faith, strengthen families, and support the preservation of the Cook Islands Māori language.
With this new edition, we are helping ensure that this treasured Bible will continue to speak into the lives of children, families, and churches for many years to come.
This launch is not simply the completion of a project. It is a gift to the community, a blessing for the church, and a reminder that God’s Word in the heart language of the people remains living and active.
Te Atua te aro‘a.
May God bless this Bible, and may God bless the Cook Islands people.
Meitaki ma‘ata e kia orāna.