‘Loved by many’: Cook Islands language champion farewelled by hundreds

Hundreds gathered to remember Bernard 'Bernice' Tairea, who is fondly remembered as the “Voice of the Cook Islands”.

Tairea was a seasoned journalist, an accomplished broadcaster and champion of te reo Cook Islands Māori.

“He went above and beyond his duty,” says longtime friend and colleague Faama Viliamu, who attended the funeral.

Following his passing at the end of last year, the 49 year old's body was returned to the Cook Islands, where hundreds of family, friends and former workmates gathered to send off the longstanding broadcaster.

“It was a beautiful funeral", says Viliamu, "An awesome sendoff for Bernard. He was buried at his home next to his parents. It’s quite sad he is gone now, he was a very unique person in his own way.

“There were lots of people who attended, the funeral was held at the auditorium in the Cook Islands, and his burial service was just as well attended by dignitaries, Cook Island community leaders and representatives from the health department.”

Tairea’s memorial service was held at the Cook Islands National Auditorium in Avarua on arrival, and his funeral service was held at the Sacred Heart Church in Matavera, attended by the King’s representative Sir Tom Masters and his wife.

The late Bernard Tairea's funeral service held in Matavera.

Tairea's service spanned broadcasting and community events, working tirelessly on the Cook Islands stage for both the ASB Polyfest and Pasifika Festival for decades.

Viliamu, who is a producer for PMN Niue, says the funeral was a reminder of Tairea’s consistent effort to uplift others during his life.

“Bernard was very professional in what he did in the community, how he conducted his business and carried himself. He had a big heart, he helped a lot of people who came to New Zealand on medical referrals.

“He went above and beyond his duty.”

Viliamu says Bernards service to Pacific Media Network as the PMN Cook Islands producer went above and beyond.

“PMN Cook Islands was called ‘Te Kura Maeva’ in those days, a lot of people listened to the programmes he put on there. He also looked after us in the other language programmes. On the Cook Island language weeks, Bernard would dress up the whole office!

“Bernard is the only person I’ve ever come across who could read the news straight from the script, and do the translation at the same time. That’s how good he was, I don’t think we’ll ever see the likes of Bernard, he was a unique person.”

Former Radio 531pi presenter Tuaratini describes Tairea as a community leader who gave selflessly to the causes he was passionate about.

“The first thing that comes to mind is someone who had a generosity of spirit and was able to genuinely make people feel special and loved.

“He worked so hard in service to others, in service to god, and his service to community.”