Tou Travel Ariki
Tou Travel Ariki | |
|---|---|
Tou Ariki in 2017 | |
| President of the House of Ariki | |
| Assumed office 2008 | |
| Preceded by | Ada Rongomatane Ariki |
| In office 2002–2006 | |
| Preceded by | Upokotini Marie Ariki |
| Succeeded by | Ada Rongomatane Ariki |
Tou Travel Ariki is a Cook Islands high chief (ariki) from Mitiaro who has been the House of Ariki since 2008, and from 2002 to 2006. The House of Ariki is a mostly ceremonial body and Tou has been a member of delegations to Australia and other Māori leaders.
Early life
Tou Travel Ariki is a high chief from the island of Mitiaro.[1]
Career
Travel was first elected President of the House of Ariki in 2001,[2] and was elected to his final term in 2023.[3] The Parliament of the Cook Islands is consulted by the House of Ariki about the welfare of the people,[4] but the body mostly serves a ceremonial role.[5] The president of the House of Ariki was given a salary of $8,320 in 2011. He noted the expenses of the position as he is invited to multiple functions where he is expected to give donations.[6]
Travel led a twenty-four member delegation from the House of Ariki to Cairns, Australia, in 2015.[7] Mark Brown and Travel signed the sister city agreement between Avarua and Honolulu.[8] He was a member of the Cook Islands' delegation to Tūrangawaewae after the death of Tūheitia in 2024.[9]
Political positions
Travel supported the He Whakaputanga Moana treaty and giving legal personhood to whales.[10][11] He is opposed to any changes to the Treaty of Waitangi.[12] Efforts to change the name of the Cook Islands to a native Māori name, such as 'Avaiki, were opposed by Travel in 2020, as he believes it is not the time for such a move.[13]
Travel called for the government to increase its teaching of Cook Islands Māori in schools.[14] Travel stated that the continued existence of the traditional Māori leaders has aided tourism to the islands.[6]
References
- ^ House of Ariki and Koutu Nui host Maori King.
- ^ Etches 2021.
- ^ Etches 2023.
- ^ Parliament of the Cook Islands.
- ^ Nohlen 2003, p. 622.
- ^ a b Review of House of Ariki budget long overdue 2011.
- ^ Clarke 2015.
- ^ Blair 2024.
- ^ Pasifika acknowledge the passing of the late Kiingi Tūheitia 2024.
- ^ Formanek 2024.
- ^ Pacific, Māori leaders seek legal personhood for whales 2024.
- ^ Haxton 2024.
- ^ Renewed calls for the Cook Islands to take on indigenous name 2020.
- ^ Mika 2025.
Works cited
Books
- Nohlen, Dieter, ed. (2003). Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook: Volume II: South East Asia, East Asia, and the South Pacific. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780191600012.
News
- "House of Ariki and Koutu Nui host Maori King". Cook Island Herald. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025.
- "Pacific, Māori leaders seek legal personhood for whales". Stuff. 1 April 2024. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025.
- "Renewed calls for the Cook Islands to take on indigenous name". Radio New Zealand. 3 July 2020. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025.
- "Review of House of Ariki budget long overdue". Cook Island Herald. 23 March 2011. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025.
- "Tou Ariki re elected President of House of Ariki". Cook Island Herald. 2 December 2009. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016.
- Clarke, Harry (21 September 2015). "Cook Islands royal family visits Cairns on international planning tour". The Cairns Post. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025.
- Etches, Melina (26 August 2021). "Koutu Nui must return to their tribes, says Are Ariki". Cook Islands News. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025.
- Etches, Melina (29 September 2023). "Tou Travel Ariki re-elected president of Te Are Ariki". Cook Islands News. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025.
- Formanek, Jared (14 June 2024). "Pacific Indigenous leaders have a new plan to protect whales. Treat them as people". CNN. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025.
- Haxton, Tiana (20 November 2024). "Cook Islands PM 'not surprised' at Treaty Principles Bill opposition". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025.
- Mika, Talaia (6 May 2025). "'Our language must live on': Tou Ariki urges emphasis on Cook Islands Māori in schools". Cook Islands News. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025.
Web
- "About Parliament". Parliament of the Cook Islands. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- "Pasifika acknowledge the passing of the late Kiingi Tūheitia". Pasifika TV. 4 September 2024. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- Blair, Chad (7 June 2024). "Honolulu Now A Sister City With Avarua In The Cook Islands". Honolulu Civil Beat. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025. Retrieved 2 July 2025.