‘I can’t wait’: Anticipation grows at Niue’s National Showday

Hundreds of people have gotten a feel for how vibrant Niue will become on Saturday, as the week-long celebrations continue ahead of the 50th Constitution Day festival.

Niue’s National Showday is an annual event that welcomes villagers from across the country to share food, dance, and sell arts and crafts.

One attendee said the day was a special reflection of the week's celebrations.

“It’s special in a lot of levels, 50 years from now it will be children of today who will say we were here 50 years ago, I was this years old.

Basket weaving race is a part of the show day competition. PMN News/Matt Manukuo.

“Just like the children that are now 50 years old who were born in 1974, so it’s special for them. There’s a lot of difference from the last 50 years as we get here, people come in to Niue with ideas they have collected while they’re away.

“And expands the horizon of the Niue thinking, and I think that’s good in a lot of ways. It brings a goodness of the island.”

The showday also saw several important dignitaries from France, Switzerland, Tokelau, and the United States join in the festivities.

A member of the US delegation said it was special to be in Niue during the festivities.
“It’s a very special moment for us, I had the pleasure of being here during the 48th and to be here during the 50th really warms my heart. It’s a pleasure to be here with the people.

“It’s really an honour to be here during this time, Niueans are so warm. It’s my first time in Niue and it’s such a special time to be here with everyone.”

For Wellington’s Ofaga he Keriso Youth Group, the trip has been an eye-opener.

Ofaga ha Keriso Wellington Youth performing. Photo/PMN News/Matt Manukuo.

“Our people are so talented aren’t they, all the craft and wonderful food around here today. It’s a special day for us to experience evrerybody coming together,” Youth Coordinator Gaylene Wilson says.

“To enjoy the atmosphere and performances, and we’re very blessed because we’ll be able to perform some of our brackets as well.

“This is it, it’s an amazing milestone for our people to come and celebrate the 50th year. It’s gonna be fantastic, and I can’t wait.”