House of Ariki


The House of Ariki is a parliamentary body in the Cook Islands. It is composed of Cook Islands high chiefs, appointed by the Queen's Representative. There are up to twenty-four members, representing different islands of the Cooks.
Its function is to:
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. Amendments to the legislation on the new constitution were passed by the New Zealand Parliament in June, providing for the creation of the House.
The House was established in September the following year, consisting of ten chiefs. It was intended to confer additional legitimacy and strength to the newly self-governing nation, and to help it define its national identity. Henry stated:
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 incumbent president of the House of Ariki is Tou Travel Ariki. The vice-president is Kainuku Kapiriterangi Ariki.

Criticism

According to Ron Crocombe and Jon Tikivanotau Jonassen:

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.
Prime Minister Jim Marurai described the take-over move as "ill-founded and nonsensical". Police commissioner Pat Tasker added that it was "laughable", and that the police did not intend to take it seriously. By 23 June, the situation appeared to have normalised, with members of the House of Ariki accepting to return to their regular duties.