Constitution Day: Live updates from Niue

Thousands have been descending on Niue to mark the biggest day in their nation’s history.

This Saturday 19th October, Niue will commemorate 50 years since the signing of their constitution and became a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand.

To capture the festivities ahead of Saturday's celebrations, PMN’s multimedia journalists Sariah Magaoa and Matt Manukuo are in Niue to provide updates of all the action.

50 Years Strong, 10 Years Health Walk

Celebrations began last week as crowds gathered at the Niue Foou Hospital for the Health Walk. The theme for the walk was to acknowledge 50 years of the signing of Niue’s constitution, while also celebrating good health on the island.

PMN News/Matt Manukuo.

The event, organised by Taoga Niue and the Health Department, is an annual event that remembers those who have passed on from health issues, and encourages good health for the island moving forward.

We joined the crowds on their walk from Niue Foou Hospital to the Hannan International Airport and back. Speaking to some of the participants, we learned what this event meant to them.

“It’s very special, especially celebrating 50 years (of) Pule Fakamotu. And just being able to reflect on how far we’ve come as a country and at the same time remembering our loved ones who have passed on and also those that are still fighting,” said one participant.

“This walk is absolutely fantastic, it brings the community together and covers all ages,” said another.

Avatele Village Showday

The Avatele village hosted their annual Village Showday, which is a day full of celebrations, festivities and fun for the island.

Avatele invited several esteemed guests, including Niue’s Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi, Speaker of the House and fellow Avatele Hima Douglas, Australian High Commissioner to Niue Katy Stewart, and New Zealand High Commissioner to Niue Mark Gibb.

The Avatele village following their performance. Photo/PMN News/Matt Manukuo

Performances also included a group that performed songs and chants that were performed during Niue’s flag raising in 1974 as a way of commemorating the historic declaration.

Pre-Constitution Day Service:

Alofi’s Millenium Hall was packed full of government officials, pastors from around the country and members of the public to fellowship ahead of the week-long celebrations.

Amongst the speakers during the service was Member of Parliament Billy Talagi, who highlighted the progress made throughout the past 50 years of self-governance.

Talagi spoke of the importance the previous leaders of the country had on Niue’s progression as a nation. The country has had six Premier/Prime Ministers since the historic document was signed, including: Sir Robert Rex, Young Vivian, Frank Lui, Sani Lakatani, Young Vivian, Sir Toke Talagi and currently Dalton Tagelagi.

A pre-constitution day service was held at the Millenium Hall in Alofi, Niue. Photo/PMN News/Matt Manukuo.