Girls wait to perform at the 30th anniversary celebrations of Niuean self-government.
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Niue
Snapshot
Niue is a small, isolated country 550 kilometres southeast of Samoa. There are about 1500 people in 14 villages on the island and village life remains the focus for Niue's cultural and political organisation.
Niue has been self-governed in free association with New Zealand since 1974 and all Niueans are New Zealand citizens.
While Niue's economy is dependent on substantial development assistance from New Zealand, the Niue government is committed to increasing the country's economic self-reliance.
Tourism offers the most significant prospect for economic development, but its advancement depends on improved air services. Niue suffers from a declining population through migration and limited physical resources. While absolute poverty is non-existent, the country remains vulnerable to poverty and there is also poverty of opportunity.
NZAID priorities
Governance
The Halavaka ke he Monuina Arrangement (HkhMA) for a Programme of Strengthened Cooperation (SCP) with Niue was signed by the New Zealand Prime Minister and the Niue Premier on 30 October 2004. The arrangement facilitates closer cooperation between New Zealand and Niue government agencies, representing a major shift in New Zealand's approach to managing its relationship with Niue.
Since signing the arrangement in October 2004 Niueans have a renewed sense of hope and certainty that they will achieve their aspiration to become self-sufficient.
An investment of NZ$20 million over five years in capital and infrastructure projects will see a strengthening of Niue's self-reliance. A large portion of infrastructure spending will be allocated to the development of the new Niue hospital.
The next priority cited by Niue is investment in heavy equipment for other construction projects such as the development of wharf and airport facilities and the building of water bores. Priorities for other capital and infrastructure projects, including economic initiatives, are being developed for discussion with New Zealand and other donors.
A further NZ$10 million over five years will strengthen links between New Zealand and Niue government departments. NZAID's immediate priority is to link New Zealand public service expertise with Niue's public sector capacity gaps. This will require a new culture of learning and more active involvement and support from New Zealand government agencies, including ongoing mentoring and other support arrangements.
Biannual meetings such as the Joint Consultative Group (JCG), and annual ministerial consultations provide an opportunity to review the effectiveness of the strengthened cooperation programme.
Economic development
Niue views tourism, fisheries and horticulture as providing the most significant prospects for economic development. A programme and sequencing of projects is being prepared and discussed for implementation.
NZAID also supports the long running and successful partnership between Niue and the Dunedin College of Education. When this programme concludes at the end of 2005, Niue will look at future support requirements. In New Zealand, the Ministries of Education and Pacific Island Affairs continue work on Niue language development, with a renewed emphasis on involving the Niue Ministry of Education as well as exploring ways of supporting language curriculum development in Niue.
NZAID on the ground
Cyclone recovery and a new arrangement
Funds are paid to the government of Niue to supplement other sources of government revenue. This assistance meets almost half of Niue's budget needs. New Zealand provides this in accordance with its constitutional obligations to Niue.
Cyclone Heta struck Niue in January 2004 and caused massive destruction. Since then New Zealand has continued to support the recovery programme.
Besides funding for government housing, re-roofing and asbestos clearance, heavy equipment, access roads, tourism units and private sector projects, the main focus has 18 October, 2007p priority, with a December 2005 target completion date.
Education
The education development project is aimed at improving the quality of early childhood, primary and secondary education in order to sustainably improve outcomes for students. Its main objective is to provide the Niue Department of Education with advice, assistance, and technical expertise to implement the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). The department's management team and key personnel in the education sector aim to develop strategic directions for education.
Page Last Reviewed: 23 June, 2008