(2) Whenever the office of the High Commissioner is vacant or the holder of that office is absent from the Cook Islands or is for any reason unable to perform any functions conferred on him by law, those functions shall be performed by the Deputy of the High Commissioner, or, if no person is for the time being appointed as the Deputy of the High Commissioner or if the person so appointed is for any reason unable to act, those functions shall be performed by the Chief Judge of the High Court, or, if the Chief Judge is also for any reason unable to act, those functions shall be performed by such person as the High Commissioner appoints from time to time.
(3) Nothing in this Article shall preclude the High Commissioner from performing at any time when he is absent from the Cook Islands any of the functions conferred on him by law.
(4) No act done by the Deputy of the High Commissioner or by the Chief Judge of the High Court or by any person appointed as aforesaid in the performance of any function of the High Commissioner shall be questioned or invalidated on the ground that the occasion therefor has not arisen or had ceased.
Schedule Article 7: substituted, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
The House of Arikis of the Cook Islands
Heading: inserted, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
8 The House of Arikis of the Cook Islands
(1) There shall be a House of Arikis of the Cook Islands (hereinafter referred to as the House of Arikis).
(2) The House of Arikis shall comprise the following members:
- (a) One Ariki representing the Island of Aitutaki and the Island of Manuae:
- (b) One Ariki representing the Island of Atiu:
- (c) One Ariki representing the Island of Mangaia:
- (d) One Ariki representing the Island of Manihiki and the Island of Rakahanga:
- Provided that provision may be made by law for the appointment of one Ariki representing the Island of Manihiki and one Ariki representing the Island of Rakahanga:
- (e) One Ariki representing the Island of Mauke:
- (f) One Ariki representing the Island of Mitiaro:
- (g) One Ariki representing the Island of Penrhyn:
- (h) One Ariki representing the Island of Pukapuka and the Island of Nassau:
- (i) Such number of Arikis representing the Island of Rarotonga and the Island of Palmerston, being not more than six, as is prescribed by law.
