House of Ariki
House of Ariki Te Are Ariki | |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Type | |
| History | |
| Founded | September 23, 1966 |
| Leadership | |
Tou Travel Ariki since December 2008 | |
Dr Tuaine Unuia since 25 March 2024 | |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 24 |
Length of term | Appointment for life |
| Elections | |
| Appointed by the King's Representative | |
| Meeting place | |
Ariki at the opening of the 39th Annual General Meeting of the House of Ariki in December 2010 | |
The House of Ariki (Cook Islands Māori: 'Are Ariki) is a parliamentary body in the Cook Islands. It is composed of Cook Islands high chiefs (ariki), appointed by the King's Representative. While it functions in a similar way to the House of Lords and the Senate of Canada, the country's parliament is officially unicameral. There are up to twenty-four members, representing different islands of the Cooks.
Its function is to:
- "consider such matters relative to the welfare of the people of the Cook Islands as may be submitted to it by [Parliament] for its consideration, and it shall express its opinion and make recommendations thereon to [Parliament]"
It may only discuss matters put to it by the democratically elected Parliament, and may only voice suggestions in return.