thumb|250px|right|Arikis at the opening of the 39th Annual General Meeting of the House of Arki in December 2010
The House of Ariki () is a parliamentary body in the Cook Islands.
It is composed of Cook Islands high chiefs (ariki), appointed by the Queen's Representative.
There are up to twenty-four members,Since the 2002 constitutional amendment representing different islands of the Cooks.Constitution of the Cook Islands, section 8
Its function is to:
"consider such matters relative to the welfare of the people of the Cook Islands as may be submitted to it by [Parliament] for its consideration, and it shall express its opinion and make recommendations thereon to [Parliament]"Constitution of the Cook Islands, section 9
It may only discuss matters put to it by the democratically elected Parliament, and may only voice suggestions in return.
Formation
The establishment of the House of Ariki was suggested in May 1965 during negotiations on the new constitution of the Cook Islands prior to independence.
The initial proposals were for it to have six Ariki from Rarotonga and eight from the outer islands, with the House meeting annually under the chairmanship of the High Commissioner.House of Arikis proposed for Cook Islands Pacific Islands Monthly, June 1965, p35 Amendments to the legislation on the new constitution were passed by the New Zealand Parliament in June, providing for the creation of the House.N.Z. clears way for Albert Henry to take over Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1965, p37
The House was established in September the following year, consisting of ten chiefs.Niue, Cooks Take New Steps Pacific Islands Monthly, October 1966 It was intended to confer additional legitimacy and strength to the newly self-governing nation, and to help it define its national identity."
Premier Albert Henry stressed that the retention and recognition of the nation’s 'royal heritage' would associate the Cook Islands with the more fortunate nations of the world, that is, with nations such as Great-Britain [or] Tonga […] which had maintained a strong sovereign identity. [...]
The choice before the people of the Cook Islands was, therefore, a clear one – either to follow the path of Great Britain, the 'Mother Country,’ and retain an indigenous spine, or to follow that of the New Zealand Māori and allow 'the backbone of Polynesian existence to disappear'. […]
Ariki, like the British monarchy, lent historical depth to this nation while increasing its prestige (at least in its own eyes) within the Pacific region."
Sissons, Jeffrey.
Nation and Destination: Creating Cook Islands Identity.
Suva: University of the South Pacific (Institute of Pacific Studies), 1999, , pp.61–62.
Henry stated:
"The ariki [and other chiefly ranks] and their tribes are the backbone of all nations in this world.
For any nation to allow this backbone to be broken or to disappear would mean that they are relying on a foreign backbone for their survival."
Albert Henry, quoted in Sissons, Jeffrey, ibid
The House was inaugurated by the High Commissioner Leslie James Davis on 23 September 1966.
Vakatini Tepo of Rarotonga was chosen as its first president.
Composition
The members are:
The four ariki of the islands of Aitutaki and Manuae;
The three ariki of the island of Atiu;
The ariki of the island of Mangaia;
The two ariki of both the islands of Rakahanga; and Manihiki;
The three ariki of the island of Mauke;
The three ariki of the island of Mitiaro;
The ariki of the island of Penrhyn;
The ariki of the islands of Pukapuka and Nassau;
The six ariki of the island of Rarotonga;
The incumbent president of the House of Ariki is Tou Travel Ariki (Mitiaro).
The vice-president is Kainuku Kapiriterangi Ariki (Takitumu).
Criticism
According to Ron Crocombe and Jon Tikivanotau Jonassen:
"The House of Ariki was created to marginalize the ariki.
Most of them had opposed the party that won the election at self-government, so it created and quarantined them in a House with dignity but no power.
To marginalize ariki further, that party later created a Koutu Nui of mata'iapo and rangatira (lesser chiefs) many of whom had supported the party."
Ron Crocombe and Jon Tikivanotau Jonassen.
"Political culture, representation and the electoral system in the Cook Islands".
Political Culture, Representation and Electoral Systems in the Pacific conference paper, Port Vila, Vanuatu, 10–12 July 2004
June 2008 coup claim
On 13 June 2008, a small majority of members of the House of Ariki attempted a coup, claiming to dissolve the elected government and to take control of the country's leadership.
"Basically we are dissolving the leadership, the prime minister and the deputy prime minister and the ministers," chief Makea Vakatini Joseph Ariki explained.
The Cook Islands Herald suggested that the Ariki were attempting thereby to regain some of their traditional prestige or mana."
Cooks heading for internal strife", TVNZ, 13 June 2008"NZ Māori stirs Cooks sovereignty stoush", Stuff.co.nz, 13 June 2008
Prime Minister Jim Marurai described the take-over move as "ill-founded and nonsensical"."
NZ Māori behind strange Cook's 'coup'", Stuff.co.nz, 17 June 2008 Police commissioner Pat Tasker added that it was "laughable", and that the police did not intend to take it seriously."
Cooks deputy PM to meet chiefs over takeover claims", ABC Radio Australia, 19 June 2008.
By 23 June, the situation appeared to have normalised, with members of the House of Ariki accepting to return to their regular duties."
Cook Islands chiefs drop take over claim, return to normal duties", Radio New Zealand International, 23 June 2008 See also
List of presidents of the House of Ariki
House of Lords
Chamber of Peers
References
External links
NZ Māori stirs Cooks sovereignty stoush
