A wealth of information about Cook Islands language, culture and society is contained in this dictionary which involved the efforts of many people over 35 years. It is an essential handbook for every Cook Islander and all persons interested in the Cook Islands.

Compiled by a renowned linguist and expert in New Zealand's Maori language, this dictionary was designed as a comprehensive finder list. Incorporating words from leading dictionaries from the colonial periods as well as contemporary Maori words, this handy introduction to the language includes more than 15,000 headwords—each of which may have several Maori equivalents. First published in 1981, this updated edition offers an authoritative snapshot into an indigenous culture.