‘Niue is your home’

Prime Minister of Niue Dalton Tagelagi has addressed key issues impacting the Pacific island nation during his visit to New Zealand this week.

He attended the funeral service of former Common Roll Member of Niue's Parliament, Richard Hipa, whose contributions and lasting impacts were commemorated by many.

During the prime minister's visit, the Pacific Media Network (PMN) had the privilege of hosting Tagelagi.

In an interview with PMN News, Tagelagi addressed several important issues impacting the small island nation, including healthcare challenges, connections with the diaspora, and Niue’s development goals.

Healthcare challenges

Niue’s healthcare sector faces various challenges that hinder its ability to provide comprehensive and efficient services.

With only one hospital, Niue Foou Hospital, the island struggles with a lack of specialised medical equipment and services.

This often results in frequent medical referrals and medevacs to New Zealand.

Labour shortages also persist as Niue struggles to recruit and retain skilled healthcare professionals due to its remote location and limited resources.

PMN team with Niue's PM Dalton Tagelagi. Photo/PMN Digital/Joseph Safiti.

There are high rates of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and cancer, placing a significant burden on the health system.

Governance and protocol issues further complicate these challenges, with previous investigations raising concerns over the handling of patient records and the prescription of controlled substances.

Tagelagi acknowledged the ongoing issues within Niue’s healthcare system, emphasising the island’s resource limitations.

But he also maintained a hopeful outlook, highlighting the government’s efforts to improve health services.

“It’s always a challenge for any small island state,” he said. “We are fortunate that we have a hospital, even though it’s not quite up to the standard of bigger countries that have the resources.

Listen to Dalton Tagelagi's full interview with PMN Multimedia journalist Sariah Magaoa.

“But we are thankful and we should be grateful, whether it’s my government or previous government, any government, we’ll always try to improve the system within health or education.”

Land disputes

Land ownership continues to be a significant challenge for Niue.

Although legal systems aim to clarify ownership, land remains a source of tension between families residing on the island and those living abroad.

Tagelagi assured the public that legislative efforts are underway to address these challenges.

“We have laws in place, but then we already know and take note that we need to strengthen that - and that really comes down to the representation of the people within the House,” he said.

Niue Foou Hospital/Photo/RNZ.

“That is one of the fast-tracked pieces of legislation that has already been reviewed by the previous government. But obviously, it lapses when that term ends.

“It’s more about bringing it back on the table, but then it is up to the members to drive it through to ensure the safeguard of those that live at home or the rightful owners to those lands.

“But yes, I acknowledge it is an issue and a challenge for us, but I would say to everyone is to work together … we should enjoy the life we live there.”

Labour shortages and population retention

Labour shortages are not a new issue for Niue.

As more people move abroad for various reasons, the island faces challenges in filling critical roles, including 11 vacant teaching positions at Niue High School.

Niue is made up of 13 villages, with two traditional divisions North (Motu) and South (Tafiti). Photo/Seafriends.

James Douglas from the Niue High School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) told BCN News that although the teacher salary package is relatively good compared to other Pacific countries, the high cost of living is a key factor driving teachers to leave the country.

BCN News also reported that expatriate teachers are spending most of their salaries on rent.

In addition to these challenges, teachers are often required to work beyond their capacity.

Tagelagi addressed these concerns, emphasising government efforts to attract skilled professionals while ensuring fair compensation for both locals and those from overseas.

“It’s a tough area to go into because you can’t favour those that come to work in Niue than those who were always there,” he said.

“You’ve got to have that balance of reward and by bringing others from our neighbour or other islands or countries, we have to provide accommodation.

“That’s one of the developments we are fast-tracking now - accommodation, in order to cater to the labour mobility, or those lending us a hand.”

Tagelagi also spoke about the importance of maintaining connections between Niueans living abroad and those on the island.

He encouraged young people to seek global experiences but ultimately return to contribute to Niue’s growth.

“Our job, the Government, is to ensure there are opportunities for young professionals to work at home and to remain in Niue, but if anything, it comes down to a fair reward for the worker, for their contribution.”

Niue's PM Dalton Tagelagi is being welcomed by the PMN team. Photo/PMN Digital/Joseph Safiti.

Development plans

Tagelagi also shared a five-year action plan called ‘Niue Ko Kaina’, which focuses on climate-proofing infrastructure and strengthening governance.

He stressed the need to adapt to technological changes and improve work ethics on the island.

“We need to change with the times, which is something that is really hard to do with our own people back home because they’re used to what they’re used to,” he said.

“We need to ensure we adapt to those changes … we have to keep up with the digital world.

“We always seem to wait and watch each other, but it’s time to move with everyone, at the same time.”

Niueans around the world are being encouraged to return home. Photo/supplied.

A message to the global Niue community

In a heartfelt message, Tagelagi reminded Niueans around the world that the island remains their home.

“Niue is your home. Now and then, I hear things that it’s only for those in Niue. That’s not true," the prime minister said.

“We are just holding the fort for everyone else and in return, I ask for that respect for those back home because they’re doing a great job.

“When you lend a hand, we get somewhere - come home and enjoy your paradise now and then.”

Prime Minister Tagelagi will return to Niue on Saturday.

Watch the full interview of Niue's PM Dalton Tagelagi with PMN Niue here.