The abolishment of the Koutu Nui (counsel of sub-chiefs) and a change in the Act regarding the challenge of traditional Ariki titles in court highlights the agenda of the Are Ariki (counsel of high chiefs) conference next week.

Kaumaiti Nui (president) of the Are Ariki Tou Ariki said: “There have been too many challenges over Ariki and even Mataiapo titles and these end up in court, we need to stop that and the only way to do that is to change the law.”

Tou Ariki has established a committee to look into changing the Act. The report is expected to be presented at the conference. “Once it’s done, we will make the changes.”

He explained that the House of Ariki wanted the law amended so that they have the authority to decide the rightful holder of a traditional title in dispute.

“The tribe elects their Ariki, not us. Each island has their selection process, the problem now is that if someone is not happy with the person they go ahead and do their own investiture… and when people are not happy, it is filed in court.”

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There is a process to receive a warrant for an Ariki to be accepted into the Are Ariki. If there are no challenges to a title, the House of Ariki receives the confirmation and declares the appointment of the tribe to the Queen’s Representative who will then issue a warrant.

But if there is a challenge, the case goes to court first.

Tou Ariki said: “We have allowed the court to solve our peu akonoanga Maori … so we will be pushing for this (amendment) in the conference. At the moment the court is just following what has been written.”

Once the majority of the matakainanga come to an agreement of who will carry a particular title “that should be it, no running to court”, he said.

“The House of Ariki is an umbrella, a tamarumaru… it’s very sad to hear about these challenges for titles. We want to see how we can move forward from this.”

Lady Tuaine Marsters (left), Jane Vakatini, Makea Vakatini Phillip Ngamatoa Ariki, Sir Tom Marsters Queens Representative and Tou Ariki. (PHOTO MELINA ETCHES). 20112031

The Koutu Nui is another traditional organisation consisting of Mataiapo, Rangatira, Kavana – who are not Ariki. It was established by an amendment in 1972 of the 1966 House of Ariki Act.

Tou Ariki said the House of Ariki have agreed to abolish the Koutu Nui. “It has already been discussed, the decision has been made because of their behaviour… at the moment they are behaving like they are the Ariki and we are not getting anywhere.”

Sixteen of the 24 Ariki are expected to attend the 50th session of the House of Ariki conference that starts on Monday at Atupare in Puaikura.

Parua Ariki Upokoina Mataio Kea of Atiu was invested with the title in 1986 and attended the Ngamaru and Rongomatane Ariki investitures on the island. He is looking forward to the conference. “Being an Ariki is a big responsibility, you are expected to be everywhere, it’s like being married to another family.”