Tou Travel Ariki
Cook Islands high chief
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tou Travel Ariki is a Cook Islands high chief (ariki) from Mitiaro who has been the House of Ariki since 2008, and from 2002 to 2006. The House of Ariki is a mostly ceremonial body and Tou has been a member of delegations to Australia and other Māori leaders.
Tou Travel Ariki | |
|---|---|
Tou Ariki in 2017 | |
| President of the House of Ariki | |
| Assumed office 2008 | |
| Preceded by | Ada Rongomatane Ariki |
| In office 2002–2006 | |
| Preceded by | Upokotini Marie Ariki |
| Succeeded by | Ada Rongomatane Ariki |
Early life
Career
Travel was first elected President of the House of Ariki in 2001,[2] and was elected to his final term in 2023.[3] The Parliament of the Cook Islands is consulted by the House of Ariki about the welfare of the people,[4] but the body mostly serves a ceremonial role.[5] The president of the House of Ariki was given a salary of $8,320 in 2011. He noted the expenses of the position as he is invited to multiple functions where he is expected to give donations.[6]
Travel led a twenty-four member delegation from the House of Ariki to Cairns, Australia, in 2015.[7] Mark Brown and Travel signed the sister city agreement between Avarua and Honolulu.[8] He was a member of the Cook Islands' delegation to Tūrangawaewae after the death of Tūheitia in 2024.[9]
Political positions
Travel supported the He Whakaputanga Moana treaty and giving legal personhood to whales.[10][11] He is opposed to any changes to the Treaty of Waitangi.[12] Efforts to change the name of the Cook Islands to a native Māori name, such as 'Avaiki, were opposed by Travel in 2020, as he believes it is not the time for such a move.[13]
Travel called for the government to increase its teaching of Cook Islands Māori in schools.[14] Travel stated that the continued existence of the traditional Māori leaders has aided tourism to the islands.[6]