Niue is a South Pacific island country located south of American Samoa, southeast of Wallis and Futuna, east of Fiji, northeast of Tonga, and west of the Cook Islands. Its land area is just over 100 square miles, and its population fewer than 2,000.
Governmentally, Niue is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, which handles most diplomatic relations on its behalf. Island residents are New Zealand citizens, and up to 95% of its people currently reside in New Zealand. Niue is not a member of the United Nations but it is recognized by the UN, and the country does participate in certain UN agencies, such as UNESCO and the World Health Organization.
Niue Island is one of the largest coral islands and one of the world's smallest self-governing states. Formed by volcanic upheavals, the island's coastline rises 100 feet straight out of the ocean, giving it a nickname, "The Rock." The island has 14 villages, all situated on a narrow terrace encircling the island. The southeast portion of the island has been set aside as a conservation area hosting a primary forest.
The island has no surface water suitable for drinking, so rainwater is collected in tanks as run-off from roofs. Agriculture is difficult due to its terrain, which consists of a think layer of fertile soil surrounding jagged limestone pinnacles. Hurricanes hit the island every seven years on average, causing significant damage. Niue has no protective reefs or lagoons. Its capital, Alofi, is the only place where a wharf could be built. Until recently, cargo ships had to anchor in deep water off-shore, transferring goods to the island by barge.
The population of Niue has never been large, probably peaking at about 5,000. Its current problem is one of depopulation rather than overpopulation. Due to difficult living situations on the island, outmigration has been significant, and the country's resident population has declined every year since 1970. The proportion of its population who are children has declined at a higher rate than the population at large. English and Niuean are the official languages of Niue, but nearly half the population speaks only Niuean. Very few outsiders reside on the island, but those who do are well tolerated, although competition for jobs can lead to resentment.
Having no strategic trade significance, Niue was not annexed by any of the European powers until 1900, long after most of the Pacific islands. Nevertheless, there were contacts. On attempting to land in 1774, Captain James Cook was forcefully repelled by parties of men shouting and displaying spears. After attempts to land in three different locations, Cook left the island, referring to it as "Savage Island." After that, there were no recorded contacts with Europeans for about fifty years and, on that occasion, Niueans killed the crew of a whaling ship seeking to trade for food and water. Having no strategic trade significance, Niue was not annexed by any of the European powers until 1900, long after most of the Pacific islands.
In 1830, John Williams attempted to evangelize the island. Unable to persuade missionaries to stay, he kidnapped two Niue youths in order to educate and evangelize them. When they were returned several months later, they were not well received. One of them was killed, along with his father. Soon it was found that they had not only brought the gospel to the island, but also syphilis and a form of influenza that killed several islanders. The surviving youth left for Samoa, where he became a servant of a missionary. Along with another Niuean, who accompanied him, he became a missionary. After several attempts, the Niueans, who were educated in Samoa, were accepted on the island, and many were converted to Christianity. Today, Christianity is the primary religion on the island, with various Protestant denominations predominant.
Over the next few decades, Christian missionaries largely controlled the island, even establishing a police force. From time to time, islanders were captured and taken to lands as far away as Peru to work as slaves. Others grew tired of the rules imposed by the missionaries and took passage on visiting ships to Fiji, Queensland, Samoa, Tahiti, and other places. Some settled, while others returned. Others, who remained on the island, became increasingly hostile toward the Church, while many of those who had been converted became lukewarm, particularly after discovering how wealthy the Church was.
Fearing reprisals, the missionaries petitioned to the British government for protection. In 1899, Niue and other islands were put under the control of Great Britain, while Samoa was left to the Germans. In 1900, Sir Basil Thomson was sent to raise the British flag on Niue, and the Governor of New Zealand declared British sovereignty over Niue. After a period of rule by New Zealand, Niue became self-governing in 1974.
Recommended Resources
Providing tropical dive adventures on the island of Niue for more than thirty years, the business offers SCUBA diving trips, SCUBA diving courses, including instructor courses, as well as free-diving courses, snorkeling, and whale and dolphin interactions. The business rents stand-up paddleboards and inflatable kayaks. Activities for children are included. Tours and activities, special offers, packages, and a gallery of photographs are included.
http://www.niuedive.com/
Presented in English and Niuean, the official website for the government offers an overview of the governmental structure, its parliament, public service commissions, ministries, central agencies, and its commercial and trading arm. Geographical facts and a profile of island culture and religion are set forth, along with press releases, news reports, announcements, and links to other government sites.
http://www.gov.nu/
Established by Avi Rubin and Taiichi Fox, one of whom was half-Japanese, the restaurant offers Japanese sushi and cuisine. A brief history of the dining establishment is offered, along with its operating hours, lunch and dinner hours. Its menu may be downloaded from the site in PDF format, and directions to the restaurant located on the Pacific island of Niue are published.
http://www.kaiika.com/
Designed to showcase the local produce of Niue Island, the four-day event is held each September, and includes cultural community food events, celebrity cooking demonstrations, and a junior chef challenge, New Zealand wines, and a gala dinner, the event is highlighted here, including guest chefs, ticket sales, and festival packages that include accommodations, flights, and festival tickets. Sponsorships are acknowledged.
http://www.kainiue.com/
Situated amidst tropical gardens, and offering ocean views, the guest accommodation is located in the village of Avatele, Niue. Featuring two rental villas that occupy a two-story building, which is available for nightly rates, if not already reserved. Its booking policies, rates, and online reservations may be conducted through the site. Other resources include a gallery of photographs, a list of amenities, guest reviews, and an introduction to the hosts.
http://www.lausgetaway.com/
Located on a cliff in Tamakautoga Village on the island nation of Niue, surrounded by tropical forests, the business offers a choice of two guest accommodations promises garden views from a private balcony. A private rental car is included in its rates. The facilities and services are described in detail, with a list of amenities and features, a gallery of photographs, and a map showing its location on the island.
http://www.nicsbungalowsniue.com/
Backpackers is a vacation accommodation on the island of Niue, offering private bedrooms unless sharing with a partner or friend, although other living areas are in common with other guests. The accommodations are situated above the Niue Yacht Club in the village of Alofi. Several photographs and a description of the facilities, rates, and policies are set forth, along with an overview of island attractions and available activities.
http://www.niuebackpackers.com/
Niuean owned and operated, the island auto rental service offers car rentals with a per-day cost and no hidden fees. Offering free pick-up and delivery anywhere on Niue, the company’s rental policies are highlighted. Rental rates, insurance requirements, and an overview of road rules on the island are put forth, along with a gallery of photographs. Bookings may be made online.
http://www.niuerentals.nu/
Established through the Merchant Shipping Acts of 2012, the Niue Ship Registry allows vessels under foreign ownership to fly the Niue flag. Its site offers general information about Niue as well as the NSR, the benefits of membership, and a list of organizations authorized to conduct surveys and audits, plan approvals, and to issue international certificates on behalf of the NSR.
http://www.niueship.com/
The official Niue tourism agency offers a profile of the island, with a focus on its value as a destination for tourism and vacation travel. Information about traveling to the island is presented, including links to various transport options, passport and visa requirements, and a guide to island attractions and events, guest accommodations, and package deals, which may be booked online.
https://www.niueisland.com/
Niue’s Government and Politics
The organizational and political structure of the Niue government is featured, including the enactment of its constitution, its parliamentary system, and a map showing the roads, villages, and other features of the island. Also included is a directory of important Niue government sectors, with principal contacts, office locations, and hours. News feeds related to the island are included.
http://www.niuegov.com/
A division of .NU Domain, the original registry, and registrar of the NU top level domain, NuNames was created in 1997 offering, as well as domain registration, domain parking, DNS services, email, website creation software, a blogging platform, and other services. Its organizational structure, operations, domain registration, web hosting, and software are presented, along with its support services.
http://whats.nu/
Tāoga Niue is a program of the government of Niue, created to support and promote the use and preservation of the culture of the Niue people, its language, and its traditions. A government department, Tāoga Niue has its main office at Paliati, Niue High School. Presented in English and Niuean, the site offers a history of the island and its people, its heritage, customs, arts and crafts, and cultural bridging efforts.
http://www.taoganiue.com/
