Niue PM calls for Realm leaders to discuss constitutional ties

Niue’s Prime Minister, Dalton Tagelagi, has proposed a formal leaders’ meeting between Realm countries.

Tagelagi says a frank conversation about constitutional arrangements is “overdue”.

Niue and the Cook Islands are part of the New Zealand Realm as self-governing Pacific islands in free association with New Zealand. Tokelau is also part of the Realm but is a non-self governing territory.

While the island nations manage their own domestic affairs - Tokelau has a local self-administration - Aotearoa remains responsible for defence and foreign affairs, and all have New Zealand citizenship.

Speaking on Pacific Mornings while he was in New Zealand, Tagelagi says such a roundtable could help dispel speculation and strengthen relationships between Niue, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Tokelau.

“I think it’s something that’s overdue and has never been done before,” Tagelagi says. “It’s a matter of just the leaders sitting around the table and just having a frank conversation.”

Watch Dalton Tagelagi's full interview below.

The call comes as relations between Aotearoa and the Cook Islands have come under increased scrutiny.

Last month, the Cook Islands News reported that Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown was confident diplomatic ties could be mended and that paused funding would be restored in 2026.

According to the Rarotongan-based media outlet, Brown had made multiple attempts to meet New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters, after official-level talks failed to resolve a diplomatic dispute between the two governments.

Peters told PMN News in September that the matter was being negotiated by officials from New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

Tagelagi says each Realm country has its own constitutional relationship with New Zealand and that these discussions should be respected.

He framed Niue’s partnership as mutually beneficial, particularly as the island pursues ambitious development goals through external partnerships and investment.

“Our win is also going to be New Zealand's win, because everything that came outside of New Zealand will filter back to New Zealand, because we get everything from New Zealand,” he said.

“So I guess it's our way of contributing to New Zealand who has always been looking after us from day one, in our constitutional arrangements.”

Niue celebrated 50 years of self-governance in 2024, with New Zealand’s Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro attending the celebrations in Alofi.

In response to a question about Tokelau, Tagelagi says Tokelau had sought guidance on Niue's experience of free association. Tokelau is expected to decide on whether a referendum on self-governance will be held this year.

During his visit to Niue, Christopher Luxon opened Niue's newly resurfaced runway. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

“That’s up to Tokelau, we can only advise on how it worked for us and from what we experienced.”

Beyond the constitutional talks, the Niuean Prime Minister addressed regional cooperation challenges, including the cost of hosting the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.

He did not rule out hosting but cautioned on expenses.

“It's going to be very hard for us because of those associated costs and I'm not prepared to spend that much money just to bring people to my island.

“So it's something that needs to be addressed within the Secretariat and the leaders.”

As Niue prepares for general elections, Tagelagi signalled he may seek one more term before stepping away from politics.

Niue has a population of roughly 1,600–2,000, with more Niueans living in New Zealand than on the island. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

With 16 years of experience, he emphasised the importance of youth leadership and succession.

“It’s not my job to keep but if we’re committed to the little rock, we should be doing the best of our ability because we are the lucky ones to be in the position.

“I think one more term will serve the purpose but we’ll leave that decision to the people and those who get elected to the House.”

Tagelagi was in Auckland to formalise diplomatic relations with the Federal Republic of Germany, which now recognises Niue as a sovereign state. The ceremony on 3 February involved Tagelagi and Germany’s Foreign Minister Dr Johann David Wadephul signing a joint declaration.