The Organic Law of 12 April 1996 granted a plan of autonomy to the territory of French Polynesia, allowing it to freely determine distinctive signs reflective of the islands' personality.

The large necklace is given to him by the oldest member of the Council by pronouncing the following words: "Mr. President of French Polynesia, we recognize you as Grand Master of the Order of Tahiti Nui".

The insignia of the Grand Cross are, if necessary, handed to him, before the ceremony of investiture, by the oldest member of the council of the order.

[3] The Grand Chancery perceives, by right, for each certificate:[4] The insignia is a cross of four arms glazed in red enamel, terminating in a ball at each point.

The obverse center of the cross shows the Coat of arms of French Polynesia colored by enamel in orange, red, and blue.

[5] The Officiers carry in the same place an insignia of the same diameter, gilded, attached by a ribbon similar to that of the Chevaliers, but including a rosette.

[4] Foreigners who have distinguished themselves in the service of French Polynesia, whether or not they reside in the territory, may receive a distinction in the order of Tahiti Nui, within the limits of quotas, by period of three years.

[2] In periods of three years, the number of distinctions in the order of Tahiti Nui awarded to persons of foreign nationality may not exceed sixty-five recipients distributed in the following manner : When the insignia is handed over by a person other than the President, the following words are addressed to the recipient: ° On behalf of the President and by virtue of the powers conferred on us, we make you (Chevalier, Officier or Commandeur) in the Order of Tahiti Nui."

With regard to the dignitaries, the following formula is pronounced: "On behalf of the President and by virtue of the powers conferred on us, we raise you to the dignity of Grand-croix in the Order of Tahiti Nui."