However, not at all akiri were of high ability and they could be challenged for leadership by other lower-ranked mem who has greater ability. This was especially so when great skill was shown in warfare, which was common in Maori society. But while such men could achieves status and mana, they could never actually become ariki (high chiefs) because they were not high born. Such men, whose rank and position grew from their personal skills, were called rangatira paraparau, which translates as something like 'nearly-chief'.