Government
Atiu must be one of the most over governed pieces of earth. With a population of only 569 (at 1/12/2006) Atiu has two members of Parliament, a Government Representative who reports back to the prime minister what is happening on the island, an Island Secretary who controls 103 government employees, a Mayor who heads an Island Council of 5 village members and four traditional chiefs and who really controls nothing, three Ariki or traditional chiefs, 26 Mataipo traditional lessor chiefs, and 34 Rangatira representing the land. Not many Indians left when you figure that half the population is under 18 years.
To do anything on the island consent should be obtained from all the above. So it is typical to see at least 2 meetings in progress every day. Atiuan's love to talk. Unfortunately little gets done.
We haven't mentioned the 12,000 odd Atuians that live overseas in Rarotonga, New Zealand and increasingly Australia who still feel they should be involved in any major decision about the island's future and use of her land. This involvement adds a totally new dimension to island governance.
Atiu Island Council 2001 from left to right - Murare Iona, Tauu Porio, Mayor Aneru Tautu, Piri Touna, Joe Kae and George Titi.
In 2004 the Atiu Island Council was Mayor - Tura Koronui, Deputy Mayor and member for Mapumai - Maara Tairi, Member for Te Ngatangi - Tauu Porio, Member for Areora - Tuanekore Miriau, Member for Ngatiarua - Teura Maka Kea Jnr. and member for Teenui - Vaine Paretoa. The three ariki are also members of the Island Council as is Aronga Mana representative - Moe Boaza.
In 2007 the new Atiu Island Council elected were, Mayor - Nellie Mokoroa, Deputy Mayor and member for Mapumai - Maara Tairi, member for Tengatangi Teariki Teiotu, member for Areora - Kore Samuel, member for Ngatiarua - Teura Kea Jnr. and member for Teenui - Vaine Paretoa. Goverment Representative - Moe Boaza. The three Ariki are also non-voting members as is Aronga Mana representative Tearai Mokoroa (Nellie Mokoroa's father in law).
