Cook Islands chiefs renege call to abolish govt
Updated
Members of the Cook Islands' House of Ariki, or chiefs, have turned their backs on a proclamation they signed two weeks ago to abolish government.
Our reporter in Cook Islands, Ulamila Wragg reports that after three consecutive days of meeting with government, the president of the House of Ariki released a statement over the weekend reaffirming their allegiance to the Queen and government.
President Rongomatane Ariki was among those who signed the proclamation, and while majority of the 15-plus members reaffirmed allegiance, two opted to stay away.
The proclamation was facilitated by New Zealand Maori sovereignty campaigner Bruce Mita, aimed at dissolving the office of the head of state and government.
The minister responsible for the House of Arikis, Sir Terepai Maoate, says those Arikis awarded honours by the Queen demonstrated disloyalty and disrespect.
Clerk to parliament, Nga Valoa, who sat in the meetings with the chiefs, says the first two days were tough.
The main problem centred on the proposed mining of manganese nodules resources by government.
Mr Valoa says the meeting calmed down after the chiefs were reminded their role under the constitution -- and that is to review legislations that impact on the indigenous Maori people.
