{{Italic title}} {{Politics of Vanuatu}} [[Image:National Council of Chiefs, Vanuatu.jpg|thumb|left|''Malvatu Mauri'' assembly building ''nakamal'' in Port Vila, Vanuatu]]
The '''''Malvatu Mauri''''' (Bislama, adapted from the various Oceanic languages) (National Council of Chiefs) is a formal advisory body of chiefs recognised by the constitution of Vanuatu.
According to chief Willie Bongmatur Maldo, "''Mal''" means chief, "''vatu''" means stone, island, or place, and "''mauri''" means something that is alive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vanuatu.usp.ac.fj/library/Online/Vanuatu/BoltonChief.htm |title=Chief Willie Bongmatur Maldo and the role of chiefs in Vanuatu |accessdate=2009-06-14 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110330233309/http://www.vanuatu.usp.ac.fj/library/Online/Vanuatu/BoltonChief.htm |archivedate=2011-03-30 }}</ref>
The council was first established in July 1976 with 20 members, and Willy Bongmatur was its first chairman.<ref name="nhcustom">{{cite web |title=Custom and Politics in the New Hebrides|url=https://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/pleins_textes_6/b_fdi_49-50/010017201.pdf |author=Bernard Hours}}</ref>
Members of the Council are elected by their fellow chiefs sitting in district councils of chiefs. The Council plays a significant role in advising the government on all matters concerning ni-Vanuatu culture and languages.
== See also == * Great Council of Chiefs of Fiji *House of Ariki
==References== <references/>
Category:Government of Vanuatu Category:Politics of Vanuatu Category:Culture of Vanuatu Category:Tribal chiefs Category:1976 establishments in the New Hebrides
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