ariki

This misdemeanour was, in Maori eyes, fatal to his prestige as an ariki and a war-leader.

Next day the fern of his child is eaten by the Ariki (head chief).

Apopo ake ka kainga e te Ariki te roi o tana tamaiti, the fern root of the tuatanga is eaten by the father.

These communities collectively acknowledged the superior prestige of an Ariki, or hereditary high chief.