Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Mii Ariki of Nukuroa/Mitiaro, Mii Tungane Kauvai, has officially received her warrant of recognition as an Ariki in Te Are Ariki (House of Ariki), marking her formal acceptance into the national council of high chiefs.

The warrant was presented by King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, in a special ceremony held yesterday.

According to protocol, a traditional title must be uncontested before Te Are Ariki accepts the confirmation and declares the appointment to the King’s Representative, who then issues the formal warrant.

“I feel so honoured,” said Ariki Kauvai upon receiving the warrant. “I now have a voice in Te Are Ariki, and I’m excited to move forward for the matakainanga - to work together with our tribe and for the people of Mitiaro.”

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ngati Teakatauira tribe and the people of Nukuroa for the trust placed in her, determined to carry on her mother’s legacy with humility and dedication.

Looking ahead, she hopes to strengthen the bonds within Ngati Teakatauira and unite the people of Mitiaro in shared goals.

Mii Tungane Kauvai was invested with the chiefly title of Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki during a traditional ceremony held at Te Au Tapu Marae o Ngati Teakatauira in Mitiaro on November 29, 2024.

She now follows in the esteemed footsteps of her late mother, Mii Tungane Upokoati O’Bryan OBE, the previous titleholder, who passed away on August 31, 2024, at the age of 95. O’Bryan was one of the longest-serving members of the House of Ariki, having been invested in February 1985.