Supreme Council of Nu Tireni Aotearoa
Ariki Hongi Hika spoke with the full mana of Ngāpuhi and all iwi of Nu Tireni:
and the countless tūpuna who came before us.
We affirm: “First in time, first in law.”
first and last with the people of Nu Tireni."
1. Mareikura o te Kaunihera Nui — Sacred Custodian and Leader of the Supreme Council
Upholds the sacred mantle of leadership, guiding the collective with wisdom, humility, and spiritual integrity. Facilitates sacred gatherings (hui tapu) where the voice of the people, the ancestors, and the kaupapa are honoured and uplifted. Ensures the Supreme Council walks in balance, accountability, and unity, bound by tikanga, kawa, and ritenga tapu. Stands as the outward face and spiritual guardian of the kaupapa, carrying its mauri into all spaces. Leads the sovereign nation in alignment with the ancestral vision, guided by sacred law (tikanga) and strategic foresight rooted in mana motuhake.
2. Pou Arataki Tohunga o te Kaunihera Nui - The Guiding and Sacred Advisory Pillar of the Supreme Council
He Pou Arataki, he Pou Tohutohu — a sacred pillar who offers wise counsel to the Supreme Council and its leadership, ensuring the mauri of the nation is upheld through every decision. Upholds the sacred frameworks of tikanga, kaupapa, and ritenga tapu, guiding the collective to move in accordance with ancestral law and divine purpose. Weaves together the strands of authority, jurisdiction, sacred law, and tikanga as a master weaver (raranga wairua), strengthening the sovereignty (mana motuhake) of the nation. Ensures all pathways chosen are illuminated, informed, and in harmony with the ancestral vision and the Supreme Council's sacred mandate.
3. Tumuaki Tuarua Tapu o te Kaunihera Nui - The Sacred Vice Chair of the Supreme Council
Stands as the Pou Tāwharau — the protective and supporting pillar beside the Mareikura o te Kaunihera Nui, prepared to carry the sacred mantle of leadership when called. Assists in upholding the spiritual and practical responsibilities of governance, ensuring decisions are guided by tikanga, kaupapa, and the collective wisdom of the Supreme Council. Serves as a steady hand, weaving together leadership, administration, and communication to support the life force (mauri) of the nation. Must be equipped with the necessary tools to operate in both the physical and digital realms, proficient in technology, communication platforms, and organisational systems to ensure the smooth flow of sacred and practical work. Must be equipped with the necessary tools to operate effectively within both the physical and digital realms, including proficiency in administrative applications, email, social media platforms, and technology, to support the sacred work of the Supreme Council.
4. Kaiwhatumanawa International Relationships
Serves within the international sphere not only as a diplomat, but as a vessel of the nation’s mauri, upholding sacred covenants and relationships as our ancestors did through whakapapa, karakia, and ritenga. Carries the kaupapa with humility and strength, building respectful relationships with sovereign nations, global partners, and international bodies. Represents the voice and presence of the Supreme Council, advancing its values and weaving spiritual, cultural, and strategic connections beyond Aotearoa. Acts as a kaitiaki within forums, gatherings, and international spaces, fostering peace, unity, and shared purpose.
5. Kaitiaki o ngā Tuhinga Tapu = Guardian of sacred writings/documents secretary
Holds the role of Kaitiaki o ngā Tuhinga Tapu, the guardian of sacred records and the sacred flow of council proceedings. Ensures that all gatherings (hui tapu) are prepared with care, that the kaupapa is recorded accurately, and that the kupu and whakaaro of the council are preserved as a taonga for present and future generations. Prepares agendas, minutes, and official correspondence in alignment with tikanga, kawa, and the governance framework of the Supreme Council. Safeguards the integrity of council proceedings, ensuring that all actions remain faithful to the spiritual and constitutional order of the nation. Must be equipped with the necessary tools to operate effectively within both the physical and digital realms, including proficiency in administrative applications, email, social media platforms, and technology, to support the sacred work of the Supreme Council.
6. Kaitiaki Pūtea - Sacred Guardian of Putea
He Kaitiaki Pūtea, the sacred guardian of the nation's resources and the flow of its life-force (mauri). Oversees all financial matters with integrity and humility, upholding the sacred responsibility to protect and nurture the pūtea as a taonga entrusted by the ancestors and the people. Prepares and presents budgets and financial reports that are clear, truthful, and aligned with the spiritual, cultural, and strategic purposes of the nation. Ensures that all pūtea is managed transparently, responsibly, and in accordance with tikanga, kaupapa, and the highest standards of practice. Must be equipped with the necessary tools and skills to navigate both the physical and digital realms, proficient in financial reporting, spreadsheets, and presentations to support the well-being and prosperity of the people.
7. Pou Kaitiaki Tapu o te Kaunihera Nui - The Sacred Guardian/Protector of the Supreme Council (Position 1,2,3,4)
The Pou Kaitiaki Tapu stands as the sacred guardian and protector of the kaupapa, the people, the taonga, and the spaces under the mantle of the Supreme Council. As the spiritual and physical sentinel, this role upholds the tapu, mana, and mauri of all proceedings, ensuring that every space, gathering, and interaction is safe, balanced, and protected from harm or spiritual imbalance. Oversees and prepares all physical and spiritual spaces for hui, maintains the integrity of tikanga, kawa, and ritenga tapu, and provides guidance to participants to ensure all actions remain within the sacred order. Safeguards people and taonga, acting as the shield against any breach of protocol, disturbance of mauri, or violation of tapu. The Pou Kaitiaki Tapu is the unseen wall of protection that allows the Supreme Council and its kaupapa to flourish in peace and spiritual alignment.
8. Pou Kaitiaki Rangatira o te Kaunihera Nui - The Chiefly Kaitiaki Pillar of the Supreme Council (Position 1,2,3,4,5,6,7)
The Pou Kaitiaki Rangatira stands as a sacred guardian of the kaupapa and protector of the sovereign nation, upholding the Supreme Council's values with unwavering integrity. As a kaitiaki appointed by the collective will of the people and the ancestral realms, this role safeguards the spiritual, cultural, and material wellbeing of the nation. Provides wise counsel in governance, contributes to sacred decision-making, and ensures that every action and outcome is anchored in tikanga, kawa, and the founding kaupapa. Upholds the code of conduct and behaviour as a sacred covenant, ensuring harmony, accountability, and mana within the Supreme Council.
Areas of Sacred Expertise (Ngā Pou Mātanga)
- Arataki Matua — Governance and Sacred Leadership
- Tōhunga Tikanga — Cultural and Spiritual Stewardship
- Kaitiaki o Papatūānuku — Resource & Environmental Liaison
- Pou Manaaki — Whānau & Community Relations
- Kaiwhakatūturu Kawenata — Proclamation, Declaration & Treaty Advocacy
- Pou Karere — Communications, Ceremonies & Events
- Pou Herenga Tāngata — Succession Planning and Whakapapa Continuity
9. Pou Ariki o te Mana Rohe - The Chiefly Pillar of the Mana Rohe (15 Positions)
The Pou Mana o te Waka Rohe stands as the sacred voice and guardian of the waka district, carrying the mauri, mana, and kōrero of the people and the land into the Supreme Council. Upholds and protects the rohe native earth claim on behalf of the district, ensuring the ancestral rights, responsibilities, and connections to the whenua remain intact and are advanced with integrity. Builds, nurtures, and leads the waka district council, guiding the people through hui tapu and ensuring that the collective voice of the waka is present in all decision-making processes of the Supreme Council.
North Island / Te Ika-a-Māui -
1.Te Tai Tokerau / Northland,
2.Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland,
3.Waikato,
4.Te Moana-a-Toi / Bay of Plenty,
5.Tairāwhiti / Gisborne,
6.Te Matau-a-Māui / Hawke's Bay,
7.Taranaki, Manawatū-Whanganui,
8.Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington
South Island / Te Waipounamu -
9.Te Tai o Aorere / Tasman,
10.Whakatū / Nelson,
11.Te Tauihu-o-te-waka / Marlborough,
12.Te Tai Poutini / West Coast,
13.Waitaha / Canterbury,
14.Ōtākou / Otago,
15.Murihiku / Southland
10. Pou Māngai o te Reo Karakia me te Waiata - The Sacred Voice and Pillar of Karakia and Waiata
The Pou Ororongo holds the sacred responsibility of leading and weaving the spiritual voice of the people through karakia, waiata, haka and sacred sound. As the voice and breath of the kaupapa, this role safeguards the spiritual integrity, tapu, and mauri of all gatherings, ceremonies, and sacred occasions under the mantle of the Supreme Council. Guides the people in karakia and waiata, ensuring that each word, note, and vibration carries the wairua of the ancestors and the aspirations of the people.
11. Ngā Pou Ira Rangatahi - The Sacred Pillars of Youth - 3 Positions
The Ngā Pou Ira Rangatahi stand as the sacred voices and living currents of the next generation, carrying the mauri, wairua, and aspirations of the rangatahi into the sacred spaces of the Supreme Council. They ensure that the thoughts, dreams, and challenges of the young people are heard, honoured, and woven into the decision-making and direction of the nation.
12. Pou Ture Tapu o te Kaunihera Nui - The Sacred Pillar of Law and Lore of the Supreme Council
The Pou Ture Tapu serves as the sacred guardian of tikanga, ancestral, and governance frameworks within the Supreme Council. Provides expert tikanga advice and support on all matters pertaining to the governance, charter, covenants, affidavits, court proceedings, contracts, and issues concerning the unextinguished native land titles and the sovereign standing of the nation. Ensures that all actions, decisions, and documents of the Supreme Council are firmly rooted in both tikanga and ture, upholding the spiritual, ancestral, and legal integrity of the kaupapa.
13. Pou Rangahau Tapu o te Kaunihera Nui - The Sacred Pillar of Research and Insight for the Supreme Council
The Pou Rangahau Tapu serves as the sacred seeker and guardian of knowledge, tasked with uncovering, analysing, and illuminating insights that guide the Supreme Council and the sovereign nation. This role supports wise and spiritually-aligned decision-making, kaupapa development, and national projects by retrieving knowledge from both ancestral and contemporary sources, ensuring that all information is interpreted through the lens of tikanga, kaupapa, and the nation's strategic vision. Must have a laptop and be proficient in administrative applications, email, Facebook, social media, and technology or have an administrator for reporting.
14. Tohunga Tikanga Tapu o te Kaunihera Nui - Sacred Tohunga of Tikanga for the Supreme Council
The Tohunga Tikanga Tapu stands as the spiritual authority and guardian of tikanga within the Supreme Council, ensuring that all decisions, actions, and relationships are aligned to the sacred order handed down by the ancestors. Provides cultural and spiritual leadership, guiding the Supreme Council to uphold tikanga, kawa, ritenga tapu, and whakaaro rangatira in every kaupapa and interaction.
15. Te Rōpū Māreikura Matakite o te Kaunihera Nui - The Sacred Circle of Seer Mothers and Custodians of the Supreme Council (Position 1,2,3,4,5,6)
The Māngai Kaumātua, as Tohunga Kaitiaki, form a sacred circle within the Supreme Council, holding and transmitting the wisdom, spiritual guardianship, and ancestral authority entrusted to them by atua, tīpuna, and whakapapa. As matakite, mana kaumātua, and kaitiaki wairua, they uphold the spiritual, cultural, and ancestral integrity of the Council, ensuring the tapu and mana of the kaupapa, the people, and the Supreme Council are preserved, uplifted, and protected at all times.
16.Te Rōpū Tohunga Kaitiaki o te Kaunihera Nui - The Sacred Circle of Tohunga Kaitiaki of the Supreme Council (Position 1,2,3,4,5,6)
The Māngai Whaea serve as a sacred circle of Mareikura, holding the wisdom, spiritual guidance, and protection of the Supreme Council. As matakite and mana wahine, they uphold the spiritual, cultural, and ancestral integrity of all proceedings, ensuring that the mana o te wahine and the mana o te Kaunihera Nui remain intact and flourishing. They are the guardians and protectors of the wairua, carrying the responsibility to shield the people, the spaces, and the kaupapa from spiritual imbalance and unseen harm.
Presentation Standard
Each rangatira presentation must stand with dignity and the rightful authority of a true rangatira, reflecting both the mana and tapu of the rangatira and the kaupapa they carry. The rangatira must present with humility, composure, and inner strength.
Please note: The role of Mareikura o te Kaunihera Nui — Sacred Custodian and Leader of the Supreme Council— is presently held by Lady Crown, Turikatuku III, a position founded upon whakapapa, sacred service, and the mantle of chiefly authority. If you believe you are divinely appointed and spiritually guided — in alignment with the Proclamation of 1820, and under the prophetic legacy and heavenly direction of Ariki Hongi Hika — you are invited to formally submit your expression of interest to the Executive Committee Secretary for due consideration.
Please be advised: The Pou Arataki Tohunga o te Kaunihera Nui - The Guiding and Sacred Advisory Pillar of the Supreme Council) — is presently held by Tino Rangatira: Tane :Whetu-waiti, a position established upon sacred service, and the mantle of ancestral authority. This role is bound by covenant to the mana of Atua, the authority of the ancestors, and the sacred legacy of the Proclamation of 1820, under the prophetic guidance and heavenly direction of Ariki Hongi Hika. Should you feel the divine call and know that you are appointed to carry this sacred responsibility, you are invited to formally submit your expression of interest to the Executive Committee Secretary for solemn consideration by the Supreme Council.