House of Ariki

The establishment of the House of Ariki was suggested in May 1965 during negotiations on the new constitution of the Cook Islands prior to independence.

The initial proposals were for it to have six Ariki from Rarotonga and eight from the outer islands, with the House meeting annually under the chairmanship of the High Commissioner.

[9] According to Ron Crocombe and Jon Tikivanotau Jonassen: On 13 June 2008, a small majority of members of the House of Ariki attempted a coup, claiming to dissolve the elected government and to take control of the country's leadership.

The Cook Islands Herald suggested that the Ariki were attempting thereby to regain some of their traditional prestige or mana.

[14] By 23 June, the situation appeared to have normalised, with members of the House of Ariki accepting to return to their regular duties.