Pa Ariki Speaks Out!

In an unprecedented move, Pa Ariki, Paramount Chief of Takitumu has decided to publicly vent her concerns regarding government’s attitude towards the House of Ariki and its members.

I am deeply concerned about the negative attitude and lack of recognition accorded to House of Ariki members by certain members of this administration and this has to stop.
I’m not entirely in agreement that an apology is necessary to the QR by certain factions within our Ariki nor am I supportive of the fact that it required legislation to bring this to effect. This type of reaction denigrates our individual mana as Ariki and it is disappointing and embarrassing to me as an Ariki that we are subjected to this. I have no doubts that this issue could have been resolved internally rather than being sensationalized that way that it was.
Insofar as allegiance and Sovereignty issues are concerned, I believe they are personal to me and my colleagues and I will not accept external influences from anyone including government to decide what is right for me in my capacity as an Ariki. As an Ariki, we reserve the right to make choices and decisions maintaining at all times, the interests of our people and our nation in accordance with our legislation. I must say that some decisions made by this government to date go against the grain of this very principle.
For me, there are bigger issues at stake such as the political uncertainties within government and the looming economic crisis. Depopulation and increasing foreign immigration and ownership are matters also that deserve our attention right now. These are issues that government should be discussing in partnership with the House of Ariki rather than the selective approach it has taken.
I agree that the House of Ariki can and should do more however, the lack of co-operation and resources from government is pitiful to say the least. I’m not surprised some of my Ariki colleagues have taken the stance they did by not attending the last House of Ariki meeting in December and I share their frustrations. But government is simply to blame because of its inaction and lack of recognition towards the House of Ariki.
2009 is a new year and it is my intention to ensure that the integrity of the House of Ariki remains intact. If this means having to challenge government on certain issues, then so be it.
While not sounding patronizing, government appears to show more interest towards the Koutu Nui rather than the House of Ariki which I find, is quite insulting given that the House of Ariki is mandated by legislation and the Koutu Nui is there by virtue of providing advice and support to the House of Ariki. Unless certain protocols are corrected and the mana of the Ariki’s is restored, we will continue to have a “divide and rule” situation dictated by government.
On the issue of the proposed Mining Bill, the session provided by the consultant at the last House of Ariki meeting was informative however, I felt it was rushed and that we were never given enough opportunity or time to consider the issues in depth. As this issue involves the future of this nation, I strongly believe that any proposed establishment of a company or Board to oversee the management of such a venture should mandatorially include a representative of the House of Ariki. Revenue generated from such source could fund the House of Ariki without having to compromise future government resources which appears the case now.
Along with some of my fellow Ariki’s, we will be travelling to Tokomaru Bay in NZ shortly to attend the 75th Celebrations for the Hono Ki Rarotonga Marae. This will be an historic occasion and another step forward in bridging the reconnection with Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa. It will also be an occasion to consider the future role that we as Ariki will take in determining how we can contribute to the sustainability and development of our nation.

Herald Issue 439 23 December
- The third political party: Why?
- Christmas message
- New Party will offer decisive leadership
- 2008 Kokonati Oscars of the year !
- Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year