House of Ariki - Formation

Formation

Cook Islands
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Politics and government of
the Cook Islands
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    • Sir Frederick Goodwin KBE
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      • Niki Rattle
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It was established in 1967 by Prime Minister Albert Henry, shortly after the country obtained self-government from New Zealand. Henry stated that the ariki were the Cook Islands' "royal heritage". The House of Ariki was intended to confer additional legitimacy and strength to the newly self-governing nation, and to help it define its national identity. Henry stated:

"The ariki and their tribes are the backbone of all nations in this world. For any nation to allow this backbone to be broken or to disappear would mean that they are relying on a foreign backbone for their survival."

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