The recent election for the Pu Tapere (village leader) for Maraerenga has been marred by controversy and competing claims, with two individuals claiming the position after separate elections with differing outcomes.

Two separate meetings were held within three weeks to elect the new Pu Tapere for Maraerenga.

In the first election held on August 21, 2024, Apai Mataiapo Komono William Framhein – the son of the former Pu Tapere – was declared the new village leader after winning nine votes to challenger Tiori Rangatira Nooroa Teina’s six votes.

Chair of the Aronga Mana, Teava Mataiapo George Matutu, who is also the Pu Tapere for Tupapa, confirmed Framhein’s election in a statement issued late August.

Teina was not present at the August 21 meeting as he was away in Mauke while Makea Vakatini Phillip Ariki, one of the paramount chiefs in Te Au o Tonga district, was overseas.

Teina said that they were not informed of this meeting. Framhein had earlier disputed this saying “those that came to the meeting found out from the newspaper, it was advertised”.

According to Teina, a meeting held some months ago for the Pu Tapere election was deferred because not many people turned up. At that meeting, it was decided that at least 50 people should be in attendance for the election, he said.

Teina called for another meeting for the election of Pu Tapere for Maraerenga on Thursday, September 12, at the Osana Meeting House in Maraerenga, where he was elected to the role.

He received 47 votes from the 52 in attendance to Framhein’s three votes and two abstained from voting. Framhein was not present at the September 12 meeting.

According to the minutes of the recent meeting, chairman Vaitoti Tupa stated: “In accordance to the attendance of the list presented, we have a majority. Resolution of the meeting that Tiori Rangatira – Nooroa Teina is nominated as the Pu Tapere for Maraerenga.”

However, Framhein told Cook Islands News: “My election as Pu Tapere for Maraerenga still stands.”

In criticising and challenging Framhein’s election, Teina said the August 21 meeting that elected his challenger should not have proceeded since there wasn’t enough members to meet the quorum.

Teina said he also opposed because the protocol had not been followed.

“There is always a Pare Ariki in Tupapa and Maraerenga,” said Teina.

“If we want to promote te akonoanga Māori there’s always a Pare Ariki – there wasn’t any government at the time, there wasn’t any House of Ariki at the time or Koutu Nui.

“And that power has been disrespected by the people who want titles today. And that is a disrespect of the akonoanga Māori.”

Teina says the role of the Pu Tapere is to work with the Ariki and the Pu Tapere of Tupapa, Teava Mataiapo George Matutu.

“We have to work together with the Ariki in areas concerning the villages.”

Teina was pleased with the attendance of the meeting held on September 12.

“It was a lovely turnout and with the support, there wasn’t any argument,” he said.

“It’s not new to me working with Tupapa and Maraerenga because I grew up in it and I know what to do.

“I still need the support.”

In response to Teina’s claims and the recent Pu Tapere election, William Framhein said: “This is most unfortunate and sad; I have not come out and promoted myself as the new Pu Tapere for Maraerenga because I was elected and declared by the majority of the Aronga Mana of Tupapa and Maraerenga.”

However, he now feels compelled to speak out and inform everyone about what happened during the August 21 meeting.

Framhein explained that the meeting was called by the outgoing Pu Tapere of Maraerenga, Papa Tekeu Framhein Apai Mataiapo.

Present at the meeting were seven Mataiapo, three were not present, he said.

At the meeting Tekeu Framhein stated that he was retiring as Pu Tapere. He asked the Maraerenga community to find a new Pu Tapere.

When asked if there was a system to elect the Pu Tapere for Maraerenga, Tekeu Framhein responded by explaining that when he succeeded John Tariau, he was nominated and elected, and he accepted the role as Pu Tapere in 1975.

Four names were put forward in this meeting as nominations. These were William Framhein nominated by Ngarima George and seconded by Taraare Komono, and Nooroa Teina (absent) nominated by Cecilia Samuela and seconded by Tapaeru Isaia Willie.

Two other nominations were Yitiri Akama and Ian Karika Kamoe Mataiapo who both declined.

“Whilst Nooroa Teina was not present in the meeting, I did not object and nor did anyone else object to his nomination and the voting proceeded,” said Framhein. 

Framhein stated that the chair for this meeting and Pu Tapere for Tupapa, Teava Mataiapo George Matutu, made a declaration and issued a media release confirming his election as the Pu Tapere for Maraerenga.  

“Every aspect of the meeting was transparent,” said Framhein.

He said Teina didn’t state what protocols were not followed and that he was misguided,

“Maraerenga is a Taura Oire under Makea Nui and not Vakatini,” Framhein said.

In a statement issued late August, Matutu said: “We are thrilled to welcome William Framhein as our new Pu Tapere for Maraerenga.”

“I am looking forward to an innovative approach and passion for community development align perfectly with our village’s values and goals. We are confident that Framhein’s leadership will bring about positive changes and drive our villages towards a brighter future.

“Framhein’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment will be instrumental in guiding the village towards success.”