Excitement builds for Niue’s 50th celebrations

The official commemoration of Niue’s 50 years of self-governance will take place this Saturday, with thousands arriving in the lead-up to this historic event.

Niue gained self-government on 3 September 1974 and now exists as a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand.

It falls under the Realm of New Zealand, along with the Cook Islands, Tokelau and the Ross Dependency in Antarctica.

PMN Niue producer Faama Viliamu told Pacific Mornings William Terite that the country is buzzing with excitement, with many Niueans returning home for the celebrations, along with a number of foreign dignitaries.

“We've had an influx of Niueans and visitors from New Zealand and Australia, who have been travelling here for the 50th Constitution celebrations of the 19th.

Watch the full interview with PMN Niue Producer Faama Viliamu below:

“There are many representatives from various governments and countries who are coming in as well, particularly where their leaders are not able to make it.

“It's been quite frantic, and you can see a lot of excitement building from the locals and from the visitors.”

Viliamu adds that this celebration allows Niueans to reflect on the past 50 years and chart the course for the next 50 years.

“It is a big deal because we are celebrating Niue's self-governing in free association with New Zealand. And that formally happened in 1974.

“For us, it's the 50th year. And I guess it's time for us to reflect on where we have been, where we are now, and where we are going in the next 50 years or so.”

A completely independent Niue has been a divisive topic, but Viliamu says it's up to the people of Niue to choose.

“I'm in two minds because we've had such a long, fruitful relationship with New Zealand.

It's really a matter of time whether we choose to go independent or not. But again, it is up to our people to decide the outcome.”

Niue Language week is ongoing in New Zealand alongside Niue's 50th celebration of self-governance. Photo/Ministry for Pacific Peoples.

Niue Language Week is ongoing alongside the 50th celebration of self-governance in New Zealand, and Viliamu encourages everyone to take part in celebrating the Niuean language.

“Niue Language Week is very important for us because it helps us to keep tabs on our language.

“It helps us to promote the Vagahau Niue, particularly amongst our young Niueans that are born in New Zealand.

“There are quite a lot of activities going on to celebrate our Vagahau Niue. And I just want to encourage everyone to keep our Vagahau Niue we're going, use it every day and make the most of it. It is a beautiful language, and we want to make sure that we keep it going for the future.”