Tou Travel Ariki

Tou Travel Ariki is a high chief from the island of Mitiaro. ==Career==

Travel was first elected President of the House of Ariki in 2001, and was elected to his final term in 2023. The Parliament of the Cook Islands is consulted by the House of Ariki about the welfare of the people, but the body mostly serves a ceremonial role. 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. Travel led a twenty-four member delegation from the House of Ariki to Cairns, Australia, in 2015. Mark Brown and Travel signed the sister city agreement between Avarua and Honolulu. He was a member of the Cook Islands' delegation to Tūrangawaewae after the death of Tūheitia in 2024. ==Political positions==

Travel supported the He Whakaputanga Moana treaty and giving legal personhood to whales. He is opposed to any changes to the Treaty of Waitangi. 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. Travel called for the government to increase its teaching of Cook Islands Māori in schools. Travel stated that the continued existence of the traditional Māori leaders has aided tourism to the islands. ==References==

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