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[[Category:The Oan Isles]]
The [[Emperor of Polynesia]] is the monarch of countries that form the [[Polynesian Union]]. He is the head of state its member states, currently [[The Oan Isles]] and the Asian Pacific Island. Unlike other monarchies in personal union, each country does not have a separate monarchy. The [[Crown of Polynesia]] is an entity not explicitly fixed to either nation, so all countries that share the same monarch also share the same monarchy.
{{Infobox monarchy|royal_title=Rangitanga-o-te-Moana|realm=[[The Oan Isles]] |coatofarms=Oan_Serene_Logo.png|coatofarms_size=150|type=Constitutional monarchy|incumbent=[[Oahoanu]]|image=Oahoanu.jpeg|image_size=150|first_monarch=[[Ahua the Great]]|incumbentsince=2017|heir_apparent=Crown Prince (''Uri ki te Torona'') Moana|formation=1000 CE|residence=[[Palace of Putangitangi]]|style=His/Her/Their Serene Majesty|residences=[[Palace of Putangitangi]]}}


The '''''Rangitanga-a-te-Moana''''' is the monarch of [[the Oan Isles]], and its dependent territories such as the [[Kohatu Isles]]. The powers of the Crown are enshrined in the Constitution of the Oan Isles (''Kaupapa Ture o nga Motuere Oa''). Succession to the crown is by absolute primogeniture. The reigning sovereign is His Serene Majesty, ''Rangitanga-a-te-Moana'' Oahoanu who ascended the throne in 2017. The office was established 1000 years ago by [[Ahua the Great]]. His line remains unbroken as the House of Ahua has provided heirs to the throne the Oan Isles was established.
⚫
== Origins and nature ==


== Origin ==
The Crown of Polynesia is an incorporeal imagined entity that arises out of the collective customs and beliefs of the people of Polynesia. The Crown is closely linked with Mauism, the biggest religion in Polynesia.
[[File:Ahua the Great.jpeg|left|thumb|238x238px|Ahua the Great, the first sovereign of the Oan Isles]]
The office of the ''Rangitanga-o-te-Moana'' was established around 1000 CE by the first ''Rangitanga-o-te-Moana'', [[Ahua the Great]]. According to legend, Ahua the Great was instructed by Maui to unite and rule over the people of [[Polynesia]]. After unifying the islands which today comprise the Home Islands of the Oan Isles and formerly the [[Morstaybishlian West Pacific Territories]], the office of the Emperor of Polynesia was established. The name used by the people of Polynesia, which remains in force today, is ''Rangitanga-o-te-Moana'', which is transliterated into Staynish as Ruler of the Sea. However, when Morstaybishlian scholars translated the name into their own language, they felt that the title used by the Polynesians to refer to their sovereign challenged the position of [[Great Morstaybishlia]] as a naval power. Thus, the title was translated to Emperor of Polynesia and it has remained ever since.


⚫
== Title and style ==
The concept arose in the early 1200 century. The people believed that a supernatural spiritual being called Maui, could take on human form. This supernatural being was responsible for the protection of Polynesia and all people of Polynesian descent.


In the Oan language, the sovereign of Polynesia is referred to as the ''Rangitanga-o-te-Moana''. Although the literal translation of this term is Ruler-of-the-Sea, the term Emperor of Polynesia is used in everyday and academic use in Staynish language publications. Recently, the Serence Council, approved changes to the style of the monarch to be inclusive of potential transgender and gender non-conforming sovereigns. Thus, the Staynish style of the monarch are '''His, Her or Their Serene Majesty''' depending on their gender identity. In the Oan language there are no gendered pronouns so all sovereigns regardless of gender use the style ''Tona Kororia Rangamarie.'' The direct style of Your Serene Majesty - or ''Tau Kororia Rangamarie'' in the Oan language - is used when addressing the sovereign directly. The monarch has also been referred to as '''Defender of the Realm''' - or ''Kaitiaki o te Rohe'' - when speaking in context specifically concerning the Oan Isles.<ref name=":0">Ohone, Paure. 2021. ''Serene Council Approves Amendment of Succession Law''. Oan News.https://forum.theeastpacific.com/oan-news-t3208-s90.html#p241452 </ref>
When Abrahamism was introduced, Polynesians had to grapple with how their traditional beliefs aligned with this new religion that brought the revelation of an almighty deity who created the Universe.


== Holder and succession ==
From the writings of theologians and scholars, it was agreed that Maui had been assigned his task by the Creator (''Atea''). This myth was extended by the rulers of the Oan Isles, saying that Maui had extended limited power to rule over the people of Polynesia to one called the Emperor of Polynesia or ''Rangitanga-a-te-Moana'' (Ruler of the Sea). It was prophesied that this great ruler would come to unite the Polynesian people and liberate them from foreigners, pirates and cannibals.


The Polynesian people believe that the office is specifically bestowed by Maui on those whom he believes are worthy. As such they believe that Maui found Ahua I worthy. This arises from a legend that says when Ahua set sail to declare war on a neighboring island, a Spix Macaw, the sacred bird of Maui, alighted upon his shoulder, a symbol recognising that he is the rightful holder of the throne. They further believe that the office was not only given to Ahua alone, but to all his descendants to carry out and continue to work of the Crown of Polynesia. The Serene Council is comprised of representative of all the recognised tribes of Polynesia, including those officially outside of the Oan Isle such as tribes in MWPT and the [[Kohatu Isles]]. It verifies the claims of potential heirs, approves amendments to the Succession Law, and prepares the order of succession.
As such the office of the Emperor of Polynesia was invested in the Crown of Polynesia which was embodied and carried out by the person of the Emperor. This became Ahua I, the long awaited hero who began the unification of the Polynesian people. As such some Polynesian nations recognised Ahua I as that hero, and believed that one of his descendants would eventually become Emperor to them as well.


Formerly, the throne passed among male heirs, but as of February 2021, the Serene Council approved a change to the Succession law stating that any child of the reigning emperor can inherit the crown in order of age.<ref name=":0" /> The current Emperor is Oahoanu who succeeded his father Emperor Ehe. Emperor Oahoanu assumed the role in 2017 when his father abdicated due to Parkinson's disease. The heir apparent is Crown Prince (''Uri ki te Torona'') Moana, Emperor Oahoanu's eldest child.
Therefore the properties and powers of the Crown of Polynesia has been the subject of intense debate among scholars and legal theorists. Nonetheless, when written laws were passed which made the monarchies of the respective Polynesian countries manifestations of the greater Crown of Polynesia, the entity came into being. As such it can be described as an incorporeal corporation arising from Polynesian customary law. To put it simply, it is an intangible idea that arises from the collective imagination of the Polynesian people. It finds legal substance and political value when the rulers and leaders of these nations write the Crown into their law and claim the title for themselves.


== Title and style ==
== Powers and duties ==

=== Peacetime powers ===
The Emperor wields the following powers and duties:

* Entertain foreign guests on behalf of the government.
* Receive the accreditations of foreign ambassadors
* Bestow and revoke orders of chivalry and medals of merit such as the [[Order of the Blue Macaw]]
* Confer, disestablish and change chiefly titles of the [[Peerage of the Oan Isles]]
* Dissolve, prorogue and convene the [[Politics of the Oan Isles#Legislature|Council of the People]] on the advice of the Prime Minister
* Grant pardons
* Sign treaties on behalf of the government on the advice of the Prime Minister
* Appoint and dismiss Ministers of the Crown on the advice of the Prime Minister
* Appoint and dismiss Justices of the Supreme Court of the Oan Isles, on the advice of the Prime Minister from recommendations of the Commission on Judicial Appointments.
* Grant, withhold or reserve royal assent to laws on the advice of the Prime Minister
* Appoint the person most likely to command the confidence of the Council of the People as Prime Minister, usually on the recommendation of the majority of the political parties in the Council of the People.
* Designate days for commemoration or reflection on an event or theme.
* Designate official recognition of the special status and historical value of cultural heritage such as monuments, artefacts, events and customs

=== Emergency powers ===
In the event of an emergency, the Emperor has the power to:

* Control and direct relations with foreign nations
* Exercise supreme command over the [[Military of the Oan Isles]]
* Control and direct the work of the [[Politics of the Oan Isles#executive|executive branch of the government]].
* Dissolve or prorogue sessions of the Council of the People without the advice of the Prime Minister

During the Auroran-Pacific War, Emperor Oahoanu effectively controlled foreign relations and heavily influenced ,military operations and strategic objectives. Following the end of the war, Freedom International brought a case against the government of the Oan Isles arguing that the Emperor's influence was disproportionate to the situation. The Supreme Court ruled in favour of Freedom International and set out the criteria by which the Emperor was allowed to exercise emergency powers and the extent to which the government would be allowed to involve him in decision-making.

=== Prosecutorial immunity ===
The Emperor cannot be prosecuted for any crimes or misdemeanors. He cannot be compelled to appear before and give testimony to a court of law. He cannot be held personally accountable for actions exercised in his capacity as the sovereign. Thus the Crown is sued in his place. In civil matters involving his estate, his personal estate is sued. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court of the Oan Isles has the power to compel the sovereign to abdicate if the Crown, during his tenure, is found guilty of violating the law. When an Emperor has been compelled to abdicate (akin to being dethroned), he can be prosecuted like every other citizen and is no longer shielded by the Crown.

=== Social role ===
The Emperor's personal influence transcends the formalities of his legal role.<ref>Rotorua, Alana. 2017. ''Importance of the Oan monarchy''. Oan News. https://forum.theeastpacific.com/oan-news-t3208-s60.html#p188629</ref>

* The Emperor's face appears on coins, stamps and banknotes.
* The personal moko (or tattoo) of Ahua the Great, which is used as an emblem by the House of Ahua, is the central part of the Emblem of the Oan Isles.
* Although the Emperor exercises no active role in the judiciary, all judgements are given in the name of the Emperor, even when the Crown is being sued.
* The Emperor is a patron of many charities, the most prominent of which is the Oan humanitarian aid non-profit organisation OANAID.
* Oaths of Office and Allegiance by civilian and military officials of the government respectively are sworn to the monarch personally.
* The Emperor undertakes foreign tours on behalf of the government to help promote the Oan Isles
Academics such as Arana Rotorua argue that the Emperor forms the basis of the Oan political system, the unity and cultural affinity of the Polyensian tribes, and the symbolic head of the [[Mauism|Mauist]] religion. Moreover, the monarch exerts influence over cultural matters in conjunction with tribal chiefs such as bridal price, restoration of honour, and cultural festivals.

== Emoluments ==
The Serene Court is the agency responsible for administering matters concerned with the monarchy of the Oan Isles such as managing properties, ensuring security of the royal family and providing for the needs of the Emperor, the royal family and their courtiers. The Serene Court receives a budget of 130 million KRB which includes expenses for the monarchy and discretionary funding for use solely by the Emperor. The Emperor resides in the [[Palace of Putangitangi]], which is owned and operated by Serene Properties, a state-owned agency. Furthermore, the Emperor resides in the Mahakate Palace in the city of Makahatepa when in the [[Kohatu Isles]]. The Emperor and royal family have the right to use the Crown Jewels in the Crown Jewel Collection, but they cannot sell or give them away without the consent of the government. The Emperor has a personal portfolio of assets estimated at 210 million KRB. This is private money that belongs to the Emperor and the royal family. All private income of the Emperor is taxable. The Serene Guard provides for the security and transportation of the monarch. When travelling on land, the monarch uses special [[Royal Redrugus]] SUVs. When travelling by air, the monarch uses VIP luxury air transport services administered by [[Oan Airways]] and the the [[Oan Defence Forces|Oan Air Force]].

== Arms and standard ==
The Emperor also has the Royal standard and Royal coat of arms used in official occasions.


{{Multiple image
The title and styles of the Emperor closely reflect the historic origins and conceptual nature of the Crown of Polynesia. The office is seen to exist independently of political and legal recognition by actual countries. As such, the office is not bound to or dependent upon a physical geographic area or group of people to exist. This is why the Staynish translation of the style is not ''His/Her Imperial Majesty''. This is because Polynesians see this this style as being linked to the existence of an empire, i.e. the empire precedes the Emperor, without the empire there is no Emperor. In contrast, the Polynesians believe that with or without the empire, the Emperor will always exist. Therefore the Emperor uses the style ''His/Her Serene Majesty''.
| image1 = Royal standard of the Oan Isles small.png
| caption1 = Royal standard of the Oan Isles
| image2 = Royal coat of arms of the Oan Isles small.png
| caption2 = Royal coat of arms of the Oan Isles
| total_width = 500
}}


== References ==
This style is so unique and special, that the consort of monarch may not use it. This is also why other Polynesian countries do not recognise the official Oan name ''the Serene Realm of the Oan Isles''. They usually translate the word ''serene'' to something similar such as ''peaceful'' or ''harmonious''. The word ''serene'' is also unique in that it relates the freedom of the divine, supernatural or spiritual self or space from discord. This contrasts with ''peace'' which relates to the self, and ''harmonious'' which relates to freedom from discord within a group or among people.
<references />


== See also ==
The Staynish translation of the original title which roughly translates to ''Ruler of the Sea'' in many Polynesian languages, arises from Staynish legal theory and traditions. Staynish scholars wished to approximate the value of the title in a way that would have meaning in Staynish lexicon. As such they used the title ''Emperor of Polynesia''. There has been conflict about the use of the phrase ''By the Grace of God'', given that different schools of thought disagree with the extent of the roles played by ''Atea'' and Maui in supporting and creating this office. As such the politically neutral and least controversial alternative was chosen as part of the full title of the Emperor, which goes as thus:


* [[List of Emperors of Polynesia]]
''By the Favour of Heaven, His Serene Majesty, the Emperor of Polynesia'' or (''Na te Manakohia o te Oa, Tona Kororia Rangamarie, te Rangitanga o te Moana'').

Latest revision as of 22:20, 23 October 2021

Rangitanga-o-te-Moana of The Oan Isles
Incumbent
Oahoanu
since 2017
Details
StyleHis/Her/Their Serene Majesty
Heir apparentCrown Prince (Uri ki te Torona) Moana
First monarchAhua the Great
Formation1000 CE
ResidencesPalace of Putangitangi

The Rangitanga-a-te-Moana is the monarch of the Oan Isles, and its dependent territories such as the Kohatu Isles. The powers of the Crown are enshrined in the Constitution of the Oan Isles (Kaupapa Ture o nga Motuere Oa). Succession to the crown is by absolute primogeniture. The reigning sovereign is His Serene Majesty, Rangitanga-a-te-Moana Oahoanu who ascended the throne in 2017. The office was established 1000 years ago by Ahua the Great. His line remains unbroken as the House of Ahua has provided heirs to the throne the Oan Isles was established.

Origin

Ahua the Great, the first sovereign of the Oan Isles

The office of the Rangitanga-o-te-Moana was established around 1000 CE by the first Rangitanga-o-te-Moana, Ahua the Great. According to legend, Ahua the Great was instructed by Maui to unite and rule over the people of Polynesia. After unifying the islands which today comprise the Home Islands of the Oan Isles and formerly the Morstaybishlian West Pacific Territories, the office of the Emperor of Polynesia was established. The name used by the people of Polynesia, which remains in force today, is Rangitanga-o-te-Moana, which is transliterated into Staynish as Ruler of the Sea. However, when Morstaybishlian scholars translated the name into their own language, they felt that the title used by the Polynesians to refer to their sovereign challenged the position of Great Morstaybishlia as a naval power. Thus, the title was translated to Emperor of Polynesia and it has remained ever since.

Title and style

In the Oan language, the sovereign of Polynesia is referred to as the Rangitanga-o-te-Moana. Although the literal translation of this term is Ruler-of-the-Sea, the term Emperor of Polynesia is used in everyday and academic use in Staynish language publications. Recently, the Serence Council, approved changes to the style of the monarch to be inclusive of potential transgender and gender non-conforming sovereigns. Thus, the Staynish style of the monarch are His, Her or Their Serene Majesty depending on their gender identity. In the Oan language there are no gendered pronouns so all sovereigns regardless of gender use the style Tona Kororia Rangamarie. The direct style of Your Serene Majesty - or Tau Kororia Rangamarie in the Oan language - is used when addressing the sovereign directly. The monarch has also been referred to as Defender of the Realm - or Kaitiaki o te Rohe - when speaking in context specifically concerning the Oan Isles.[1]

Holder and succession

The Polynesian people believe that the office is specifically bestowed by Maui on those whom he believes are worthy. As such they believe that Maui found Ahua I worthy. This arises from a legend that says when Ahua set sail to declare war on a neighboring island, a Spix Macaw, the sacred bird of Maui, alighted upon his shoulder, a symbol recognising that he is the rightful holder of the throne. They further believe that the office was not only given to Ahua alone, but to all his descendants to carry out and continue to work of the Crown of Polynesia. The Serene Council is comprised of representative of all the recognised tribes of Polynesia, including those officially outside of the Oan Isle such as tribes in MWPT and the Kohatu Isles. It verifies the claims of potential heirs, approves amendments to the Succession Law, and prepares the order of succession.

Formerly, the throne passed among male heirs, but as of February 2021, the Serene Council approved a change to the Succession law stating that any child of the reigning emperor can inherit the crown in order of age.[1] The current Emperor is Oahoanu who succeeded his father Emperor Ehe. Emperor Oahoanu assumed the role in 2017 when his father abdicated due to Parkinson's disease. The heir apparent is Crown Prince (Uri ki te Torona) Moana, Emperor Oahoanu's eldest child.

Powers and duties

Peacetime powers

The Emperor wields the following powers and duties:

  • Entertain foreign guests on behalf of the government.
  • Receive the accreditations of foreign ambassadors
  • Bestow and revoke orders of chivalry and medals of merit such as the Order of the Blue Macaw
  • Confer, disestablish and change chiefly titles of the Peerage of the Oan Isles
  • Dissolve, prorogue and convene the Council of the People on the advice of the Prime Minister
  • Grant pardons
  • Sign treaties on behalf of the government on the advice of the Prime Minister
  • Appoint and dismiss Ministers of the Crown on the advice of the Prime Minister
  • Appoint and dismiss Justices of the Supreme Court of the Oan Isles, on the advice of the Prime Minister from recommendations of the Commission on Judicial Appointments.
  • Grant, withhold or reserve royal assent to laws on the advice of the Prime Minister
  • Appoint the person most likely to command the confidence of the Council of the People as Prime Minister, usually on the recommendation of the majority of the political parties in the Council of the People.
  • Designate days for commemoration or reflection on an event or theme.
  • Designate official recognition of the special status and historical value of cultural heritage such as monuments, artefacts, events and customs

Emergency powers

In the event of an emergency, the Emperor has the power to:

During the Auroran-Pacific War, Emperor Oahoanu effectively controlled foreign relations and heavily influenced ,military operations and strategic objectives. Following the end of the war, Freedom International brought a case against the government of the Oan Isles arguing that the Emperor's influence was disproportionate to the situation. The Supreme Court ruled in favour of Freedom International and set out the criteria by which the Emperor was allowed to exercise emergency powers and the extent to which the government would be allowed to involve him in decision-making.

Prosecutorial immunity

The Emperor cannot be prosecuted for any crimes or misdemeanors. He cannot be compelled to appear before and give testimony to a court of law. He cannot be held personally accountable for actions exercised in his capacity as the sovereign. Thus the Crown is sued in his place. In civil matters involving his estate, his personal estate is sued. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court of the Oan Isles has the power to compel the sovereign to abdicate if the Crown, during his tenure, is found guilty of violating the law. When an Emperor has been compelled to abdicate (akin to being dethroned), he can be prosecuted like every other citizen and is no longer shielded by the Crown.

Social role

The Emperor's personal influence transcends the formalities of his legal role.[2]

  • The Emperor's face appears on coins, stamps and banknotes.
  • The personal moko (or tattoo) of Ahua the Great, which is used as an emblem by the House of Ahua, is the central part of the Emblem of the Oan Isles.
  • Although the Emperor exercises no active role in the judiciary, all judgements are given in the name of the Emperor, even when the Crown is being sued.
  • The Emperor is a patron of many charities, the most prominent of which is the Oan humanitarian aid non-profit organisation OANAID.
  • Oaths of Office and Allegiance by civilian and military officials of the government respectively are sworn to the monarch personally.
  • The Emperor undertakes foreign tours on behalf of the government to help promote the Oan Isles

Academics such as Arana Rotorua argue that the Emperor forms the basis of the Oan political system, the unity and cultural affinity of the Polyensian tribes, and the symbolic head of the Mauist religion. Moreover, the monarch exerts influence over cultural matters in conjunction with tribal chiefs such as bridal price, restoration of honour, and cultural festivals.

Emoluments

The Serene Court is the agency responsible for administering matters concerned with the monarchy of the Oan Isles such as managing properties, ensuring security of the royal family and providing for the needs of the Emperor, the royal family and their courtiers. The Serene Court receives a budget of 130 million KRB which includes expenses for the monarchy and discretionary funding for use solely by the Emperor. The Emperor resides in the Palace of Putangitangi, which is owned and operated by Serene Properties, a state-owned agency. Furthermore, the Emperor resides in the Mahakate Palace in the city of Makahatepa when in the Kohatu Isles. The Emperor and royal family have the right to use the Crown Jewels in the Crown Jewel Collection, but they cannot sell or give them away without the consent of the government. The Emperor has a personal portfolio of assets estimated at 210 million KRB. This is private money that belongs to the Emperor and the royal family. All private income of the Emperor is taxable. The Serene Guard provides for the security and transportation of the monarch. When travelling on land, the monarch uses special Royal Redrugus SUVs. When travelling by air, the monarch uses VIP luxury air transport services administered by Oan Airways and the the Oan Air Force.

Arms and standard

The Emperor also has the Royal standard and Royal coat of arms used in official occasions.

Royal standard of the Oan Isles
Royal coat of arms of the Oan Isles

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ohone, Paure. 2021. Serene Council Approves Amendment of Succession Law. Oan News.https://forum.theeastpacific.com/oan-news-t3208-s90.html#p241452
  2. ↑ Rotorua, Alana. 2017. Importance of the Oan monarchy. Oan News. https://forum.theeastpacific.com/oan-news-t3208-s60.html#p188629

See also

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