The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands is challenging the country's ui ariki to look at their role and contribution before they ask the government for more money.
Cook Islands Prime Minister, Henry Puna Photo: AFP
The 26 paramount chiefs have met with Henry Puna who has invited them to define their role and function in the 21st century.
Mr Puna says all he has heard from them is they want more money and that is not the answer.
He says increasing the ui ariki budget is out of the question at present, saying it would be like putting the cart before the horse.
The prime minister has suggested the mana of the chiefs is diminishing because many of them live overseas, and are not in the country to lead their people.
The prime minister says an ariki title belongs with the people, to the kopu ariki, to the district where the ariki has jurisdiction.
Mr Puna says the paramount chiefs need to examine their own structure and ask themselves whether ui ariki should they be living with their own people on their island.
