Cook Islanders will welcome their new tribal leader in a traditional ceremony on Rarotonga today.
George Taripo Karika Ariki will succeed his late mother Dame Margaret Makea Karika Ariki who died last year aged 98.
Anthony Turua of the Ministry of Culture says the islanders are looking forward to the investiture ceremony because the last such event occurred decades ago.
"It's quite significant for us here in the Cook islands for this investiture. Tomorrow will be a milestone to bestow the new chief which is our traditional leader, Ariki. The former chief's eldest son, George Karika Taripo, will be the new traditional leader," Anthony Turua said.
Dancers at the 51st anniversary of self-governance with the annual Constitution Day ceremony at the National Auditorium on main island Rarotonga. Photo: RNZI/Eipuatiare Arthur