History and Government
History
Most of the inhabitants of Niue descend from settlers from Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, who arrived between AD 600-1000, developing their own particular culture. The first Europeans reached Niue in the wake of Captain Cook’s expedition to the region in 1774. Administered by the London Missionary Society from 1846, it became a British Protectorate in 1900. The island was then formally annexed to New Zealand in 1901, as part of the Cook Islands. In October 1974, Niue was granted ‘self-government in free association with New Zealand’, making it the smallest self-governing state with that status. This also allows Niueans to retain New Zealand citizenship while maintaining self-government in their own country.
The only formal political party is the Niue People’s Party (NPP), which has dominated politics on the island since its formation in 1987. Although it has not always enjoyed an absolute majority, it has been able to govern with the support of independents. The current premier is the veteran Mititaigimimene Young Vivian who took over following the most recent poll in April 2002.
The major problems facing Niue are chronic population decline caused by emigration and the fragility of the island’s status as an offshore tax haven (see Economy section), which is under threat from new measures designed to tackle international money laundering. Niue is also vulnerable to Pacific cyclones: in January 2004, the island suffered serious damage from Cyclone Heta.
Government
Niue has self-government in association with New Zealand, which looks after the island’s external affairs and defence. The head of state is the British monarch, who is represented on behalf of both Britain and New Zealand, by a Governor-General. Executive roles rest with the premier and three other ministers. The 20-member parliament, the Fono Ekepule, which is elected every three years, is responsible for legislation. Fourteen of the members represent the 14 village constituencies and the other six are ‘common roll’ members.
|
