Cook Islands language champion and broadcaster leaves behind inspiring legacy

Bernard (Bernice) Tairea has been in the Pacific broadcasting industry for 30 years and the Pacific people are mourning his death.

PMN Niue Language Show Producer Faama Viliamu says he will miss his friend’s big smile and talented singing voice.

“Feeling very, very sad today at losing a beloved friend of many years.

“He is in a better place in the Lord’s Kingdom where resides only in peace and happiness not to mention he will be reunited with his mum and father and other loved ones in heaven.”

Tairea was born during the 1970s in Dunedin and as a child, was educated in the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Australia.

He settled back in the Cook Islands after his schooling years and began working for Telecom, local radio, Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, and was part of the Taakoka Dance Troupe before moving to Aotearoa in 2002.

And it was almost serendipitous that he became involved with 531pi and Niu FM.

Tairea said in a 2020 interview on 531pi, that in 2002 one of the PMN managers heard him on air while he was filling in as a guest interviewer on the Cook Island show, as a favour. He was then approached to become involved with Niu FM and eventually became the producer of the PMN Cook Islands programme.

Language and identity was a cornerstone of what Tairea brought with him as a broadcaster, something he felt was particularly important in the social media era.

“Language is very important. If there is a way we can try to instil an interest in our language, because it's dying, especially with our youth. And we need to get it right, so we can share this dying experience for our children to make sure that they keep this momentum,” he told 531pi in 2020.

“I would implore broadcasters of today, and any on mainstream media who take up our language, to make sure you go and have a good study of our culture and of our language so that we don't lose it and we also don't misinform our listeners,” he says.

“If we can move on with and adapt to the new technologies of social media, all these other platforms, it's important to get it right … so we don't lose it otherwise it's going to be watered down, it'll be completely adapted and we'll lose it all together.”

Known for his vibrant personality as an MC, Taieri inspired many including nephew Kendall Browne who let his people know on social media.

“It’s because of you that’s why I am one of the Best MCs around!” Browne jokingly said.

"I will always hold you close to me and keep everything you taught me! Love you Uncle Bernard Tairea,” Browne says.

The flamboyant MC never let his guard down when speaking onstage with countless videos online singing songs on the fly to impress crowds.

Tairea had a big passion for radio broadcasting becoming a host on PMN’s Cook Islands Language show and not long after the producer.

Seumanu Te’eva Matāfai, who works for Radio Samoa paid his respects to her friend who put the Cook Islands Language at the forefront of everything he did.

”We worked in radio for almost 30 years and Pasifika Festival for close to 20 years. You were one of the most hardworking servants for the Cook Islands and Pacific communities.

You will be missed by many whom you’ve served tirelessly. Deepest condolences to the extended family,” Seumanu says.

Tairea accolades also include being part of the team that established the youth radio station of Niu FM.

Responsible for brewing Pacific radio hosts such as Nickson Clark, Nate Nauer, and Jandals Tuipe’a who are now featured on many mainstream broadcasting platforms.

One of Tairea’s main wishes was to train Pacific broadcasters to go into mainstream spaces and express their Pacific language and culture no matter what.

Apa Temata, a nurse at the Auckland Hospital and close friend, says the news of his passing came while working a 12-hour shift on Christmas Eve.

“We spoke candidly after the Te Maeva Nui Awards and I wanted to acknowledge him that night for all the work, love, and commitment he gave to the community for so many years.

His commitment to serving our iti (iwi) Tangata speaks volumes in the legacy he left behind and no one can ever compare to your humility and dedication. RIL darling,“ Temata said.

Tairea was aged 49 when he passed away on Christmas Eve.

This story was republished with the kind permission of Aaron Ryan, Whakaata Māori. Additional reporting by PMN News.