Takau Rangatira line opposes Avatea Rangatira investiture

We wish to clarify our position and assert our opposition to the recent investiture of Charlie Koronui with the title “Avatea i o Pa Rangatira.”

Our stance is based on serious concerns regarding genealogical accuracy, respect for tribal protocol, and the integrity of Pa Ariki traditions. We outline these concerns below in a spirit of diplomacy but with firm resolve.

Questionable Genealogical Claims

The group advocating for the Avatea Rangatira title has claimed descent from an ancestor called Tetianui a Kainuku Momore, asserting that this figure is the same person as Pa Tetianui Ariki of the Pa Ariki dynasty. The Takau Rangatira line questions the validity of this claim. According to our documented genealogy and official court records, Pa Tetianui Ariki’s birth date and lineage do not align with what is being claimed by the Avatea group. In fact, Pa Tetianui Ariki (born 1859, invested as Pa Ariki in 1907) had no biological children . No offspring of Pa Tetianui were ever recorded or acknowledged in traditional records or in the Cook Islands courts. This historical reality calls into serious question any assertion of direct descent from Pa Tetianui Ariki. We urge caution against rewriting lineage facts: Tetianui-a-Kainuku-Momore appears to be a distinct individual from a different family line, and the attempt to equate that name with Pa Tetianui Ariki is not supported by the evidence.

Furthermore, we emphasise that the Takau Rangatira line is a direct descendant of Pa Ariki, a fact that is clearly detailed in the Pa Ariki official genealogies and has been confirmed by the High Court of the Cook Islands. Notably, in a past title and land dispute case involving Pa Tepaeru Marie Ariki (“Pa Marie”), her sister Lily (Lily Henderson), and their siblings, the court carefully examined the Pa Ariki family tree. In its findings, the court reaffirmed the rightful branches of the Pa Ariki dynasty, including the Takau line, as the true descendants of Pa Ariki. This legal acknowledgment, alongside our well-preserved genealogy, underscores the legitimacy of the Takau Rangatira line’s bloodline. In contrast, the parties now asserting the Avatea Rangatira title have no such genealogical confirmation tying them to Pa Tetianui or any Pa Ariki ancestor. We therefore maintain that the foundation of their claim is historically and genealogically untenable.

Right to Oppose a Questionable Investiture

Given the above facts, the Takau Rangatira family asserts that we have every right to oppose the investiture of the Avatea Rangatira title. This new title – previously unheard of in our tribal structure – was bestowed under circumstances that we find questionable and lacking proper vetting. It is our duty, as loyal descendants of Pa Ariki, to protect the integrity of our titles and honours. We do not take this stance lightly. Our objection is not about resistance to change, but about upholding the truth of our lineage and the sanctity of our traditions. Any new Rangatira title that purports to be within the Pa Ariki sphere must be thoroughly examined and agreed upon by those with rightful standing. In this case, that due process was not observed. Until a clear and truthful lineage for the so-called Avatea title is established (if one exists at all), we will continue to firmly oppose the recognition of this title within our tribe.

We also address recent commentary from certain individuals associated with Ngāti Maoate, who have attempted to question the legitimacy of the Takau Rangatira line. We acknowledge the historical relationship between Ngāti Maoate and the Pa Ariki title – indeed, alliances and associations have formed over generations. However, we must clarify an important point: these particular individuals do not possess bloodline ties to Pa Ariki. Their involvement with Pa Ariki affairs stems from historical association rather than direct descent. In other words, while we respect their heritage within Ngāti Maoate, they are not genealogical descendants of any Pa Ariki ancestor. Thus, any challenges they raise against the Takau line’s status are without genealogical foundation. We kindly remind all observers that questions of Pa Ariki lineage should be addressed by those of Pa Ariki lineage. The Takau Rangatira line’s place in the Pa Ariki family is secured by both tradition and legal affirmation, and cannot be negated by external commentary or unfounded challenges.

Upholding Pa Ariki Authority and Protocol

As members of the Pa Ariki family, we strongly reaffirm that all major decisions within the Pa Ariki tribe must be made by the confirmed descendants of Pa Ariki, collectively known as the Kopu Ariki o Pa. This council of the Pa Ariki dynasty includes the three recognized branches of our lineage: the Tupe, Tau, and Takau lines. These are the only lines that descend directly from Pa Ariki, and therefore the only ones empowered by blood-right to deliberate on tribal leadership matters. We maintain that no decision regarding titles, investitures, or significant tribal affairs should be made unilaterally or without the knowledge and consent of the Kopu Ariki o Pa. In the case of the Avatea Rangatira title, the broader Pa Ariki family was not adequately consulted. Proper protocol dictates full discussion and agreement among the Pa Ariki descendants before new titles are created or bestowed. Bypassing this step is a breach of our customs and has led to the current discord.

It is also important to refute any misunderstanding that a Rangatira title by itself grants authority over tribal governance or succession decisions. In our Cook Islands Māori customary structure, Ariki (paramount chiefs) hold the highest traditional authority, and the Kopu Ariki o Pa (the family of the Ariki) guides those decisions. Rangatira (chiefly title-holders of supporting lines or districts) are respected figures who serve under the Ariki, but they do not have autonomous power to dictate tribe-wide outcomes. The creation or acknowledgment of a Rangatira title such as “Avatea i o Pa” does not confer upon that title-holder the right to make decisions on behalf of the entire Pa Ariki tribe. Such powers and responsibilities remain with the Pa Ariki and the council of Pa Ariki descendants. We emphasize this point to prevent any misconception that the Avatea Rangatira position could wield influence above its station. The authority to decide on tribal titles and direct our tribal future lies with the united family of Pa Ariki, not any single Rangatira title or external group.

Finally, we note with respect that the current holder of the Pa Ariki title (paramount chief of Takitumu) hails from the Tupe line of our great ancestor Pa. The Takau line extends our warm support to the Pare Ariki O Pa and all our cousins in the Tupe and Tau lines. At the same time, we call upon our Ariki and the entire Kopu Ariki o Pa for transparency and unity in upholding our traditions. The Takau Rangatira line requests that all future decisions involving our tribal governance, titles, and honours follow proper traditional protocol and genuine consultation among the rightful Pa Ariki family members. In light of the Avatea affair, we urge a recommitment to open communication and consensus in the governance of Takitumu. By doing so, we ensure that our tribal leadership remains firmly rooted in legitimacy, custom, and the will of Pa Ariki’s descendants.

In conclusion, the Takau Rangatira line cannot recognize or support the investiture of the Avatea Rangatira title under the present circumstances. We stand by our obligation to protect the integrity of the Pa Ariki title and lineage. Our opposition is made with the utmost respect for all involved, yet with an unwavering commitment to truth, tradition, and the rights of the Pa Ariki family. We invite dialogue and encourage that any outstanding issues be resolved in accordance with our ancestors’ practices and the rule of law, so that the honour of the Pa Ariki throne and the unity of the Takitumu people are maintained for future generations.

Signed,

Representatives of the Takau Rangatira Line of Pa Ariki