In a historic ceremony on Saturday morning, Susan Love de Miguel was invested as Makea Nui Ariki, bringing a physical revival to a chiefly title that has remained unoccupied for over 30 years.

The investiture, known traditionally as aka'uru'uru'anga, drew hundreds of attendees to the traditional grounds of Para O Tane Palace in Te Au O Tonga, as well as a significant police presence.

It marked a milestone in the long-standing legal and familial disputes over the rightful holder of the Makea Nui Ariki title, which has been vacant since the death of Makea Nui Teremoana Ariki on March 9, 1994.

Susan Love de Miguel is a direct descendant of the late Makea Nui Takau II Ariki through her mother, Mokoroa-ki-Aitu, the eldest daughter of the former ariki.

However, her investiture was not without controversy.

Protesters, representing the Upokotokoa, Tataraka, and Mere lines - as well as a part of her own Rangi Makea line - voiced strong opposition on the day. Dressed in black and accompanied by drumming, the protest group stood behind police barricades.

Despite tensions, the event remained peaceful, with no physical altercations reported. Police Commissioner Teokotai Joseph and officers maintained order throughout the proceedings.

Following her investiture, Makea Nui Takau Susan Ariki invested two Rangatira: Rupe Rangatira Janette Browne and Ruavaka Rangatira Louie Enoka.

The newly confirmed leadership then led a procession to the Avarua CICC Church for a blessing ceremony, and later to the Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium) for a public feast. Over 1,000 raurau of umu (earth oven) cooked food were shared among family and guests in a festive celebration.

The Makea Nui Kopu Ariki, the broader family body of Makea Apera’s descendants, is divided into four main lines: Rangi Makea, Upokotokoa, Tataraka, and Mere.

There was a strong police presence at the aka'uru'uru'anga (investiture) of Susan Love as Makea Nui Susan Takau Ariki on Saturday. MELINA ETCHES/25053101

On Friday, Judge Wilson Whare Isaac granted an interim injunction preventing non-members of the Kopu of Makea Nui Ariki from accessing the ancestral lands of Taputapuatea, and Arai-Te-Tonga sections.

The ruling follows a legal challenge by Makea Nui Kopu Ariki lines who supported the injunction application against the proposed investiture of Suzanne Love (Rangi Makea line) on ancestral grounds.

Supporters of Susan Love said they moved their investiture from its original site at Arai-Te -Tonga to ensure their invited guests would still be able to attend.

Disputes between these lines and Ngati Makea have played out in court for decades, and the battle over succession remains unresolved.

While Saturday’s investiture marks a significant moment for Susan Love de Miguel and her supporters, the issue is far from settled.

The matter is expected to return to the Land Court as the legal search for the rightful titleholder continues.