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CultureGrams
Kids Edition 2017 Niue

The total area of Niue is only 100 square miles (260 square kilometers).
Niue's coast is lined with hundreds of caves, rocky coves, and hidden beaches and pools.
Niue lies near the International Date Linethe imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole
and marks the change of one calendar day to the next.
Early traditional names for Niue included Nukututaha ("island that stands alone"), Motu-te-fua ("a bleak, empty
island"), and Fakahoa-motu ("an incomplete work by the traditional giant Fo").
There are no rivers or streams on Niue.
One traditional Niuean myth tells the story of the island being created when it was fished out of the sea with a
hook by the Polynesian god Maui.
Niuean mythology includes powerful gods that can calm the sea after storms, as well as gods in the forms of rats
and flying foxes (a type of bat).
A popular name for Niue is the Rock of Polynesia.
A small group of Niuean soldiers fought in World War I (191418), but many died from disease.
Many of Niue's caves have stalagmites or stalactites (rock formations that rise up from a cave floor or hang from
a cave roof)
Coconut cream is an important ingredient in traditional Niuean cooking.
Many Niuean families still use a traditional underground oven called an umu for cooking.
Niue's original inhabitants came from the islands of Tonga, Samoa, and Pukapuka of the Cook Islands.

Flag
Yellow represents the sun and the warmth and friendship between Niue and New
Zealand. The larger star on the flag of the United Kingdom in the corner stands for
Niue, while the smaller stars symbolize the Southern Cross constellation on the New
Zealand flag.

National Image
The seal was created when Niue gained independence in 1974. The coat of arms of
New Zealand is in the middle, supported by a woman in a white robe carrying the flag of
New Zealand and a Maori warrior with a spear. The woman represents the Queen of
England and the Maori warrior represents New Zealand; both countries played a large
role in modern Niuean history.

Land and Climate

Area (sq. mi.)

100
Area (sq. km.)
260

Niue is an atoll (ring-shaped coral reef) and is among the world's largest coral islands.
Located about 1,500 miles (2,414 kilometers) northeast of New Zealand, Niue sits in

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the middle of the triangle of island nations made up of Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook
Islands. Geological evidence shows that Niue has been rising out of the ocean for
about the last 500,000 years. The base of the island is made up of basalt rocka
volcanic rock that forms when lava cools quickly. On top of the basalt is a layer of
limestone, upon which a coral reef eventually grew and developed. Niue's coasts are
rocky and jagged. Over time, sections of the limestone coastline eroded (wore away),
creating hundreds of caves and rocky coves with pools.

There are two main levels that make up the island. The inside of the island forms a
plateau (high, flat area) that is about 200 feet (60 meters) above sea level. The second
level is another high, flat area called a coastal terrace that rises about 90 feet (27
meters) above sea level and drops quickly into small cliffs along the sea. The island is
surrounded by a coral reef, which is separated from the shore by a narrow and shallow
lagoon.

While the soil is fertile, much of Niue's terrain is rocky, making farming difficult in many
places. A strip along the coast is farmed heavily and is home to most of the population.
There are no streams or surface water on Niue. All of the island's freshwater needs are
met through ground water (water beneath the earth's surface), which Niueans access
through a well on the western coast.

Since Niue is a tropical island, temperatures do not change much throughout the year.
Average rainfall is about 80 inches (203 centimeters) a year. During the rainy season
(December to March), tropical storms and cyclones are possible.

Because Niue is on the eastern side of the International Date Line (the imaginary line
that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and marks the change from one
calendar day to the next), and New Zealand is on the west, there is a 23- to 24-hour
time difference between the two countries, even though they are fairly close to each
other.

Population

Population
1,190

Less than 1,500 people live on Niue, most of whom have Polynesian ancestry. Over the
course of the 20th century, Niue's population gradually declined as many Niueans went
to other countries in search of better jobs and other opportunities. This trend has
continued into the 21st century; over 15 times as many Niueans (who were born on
Niue) live in New Zealand than live on the island of Niue. All Niueans have dual
citizenship in Niue and New Zealand and have free access and entry into both
countries.

Language
The Niuean language (Vagahau Niue) and English are the two official languages of
Niue, and nearly everyone speaks both. Niuean is a Polynesian language related to
Tongan. Modern Niuean is the result of hundreds of years of mixing between the
Samoan, Tongan, and Pukapukan languages. There are two main dialects (ways of
speaking or pronouncing) of Niuean: the Motu dialect (spoken in the north) and the
Tafiti dialect (spoken in the south). The Motu dialect is older than the Tafiti. Residents
of the north and south are proud of their different dialects. Niueans are working hard to
keep their language alive, as it has become an endangered language (a language at
risk of becoming extinct).

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Can You Say It in Niuean?

Hello Fakaalofa lahi atu (fah-KAA-lor-fah lah-hee ah-tu)
Good-bye Koe kia (kor-eh KEE-ah)
Please Fakamolemole (fah-kah-MOR-leh-mor-leh)
Thank you Fakaaue (fah-KAH-oo-eh)
Yes E (ehhh)
No Nakai (NAH-kah-ee)

Religion

Source: The World Factbook 2017. Washington, DC: Central Intelligence Agency, 2017.
Nearly all Niueans are Christian, and the majority belong to Protestant churches such as the Ekalesia Niue
(Congregational Christian Church of Niue). Other significant religious groups include members of the Roman Catholic
Church and those of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most Christians attend church on Sunday, and
certain recreational activities (such as boating, fishing, and swimming) are not allowed on Sundays; this is meant as a
sign of respect for the Christian Sabbath (day of rest and worship). Singing is an important part of most church services.
People dress in their nicest clothes when they go to church, and many Niueans consider this an important way to show
respect on this religious day.

Time Line
AD 900
AD 900 Niue is settled by Samoans

1500
c. 1500s Settlers from Tonga arrive on Niue

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1774 Captain James Cook sights Niue, but the locals refuse to let him land;
after three rejections by the local inhabitants, he names Niue Savage
Island

1800
1825 Whaling ships visit the island looking to trade for fresh food and water
1830s Missionaries from the London Missionary Society (LMS) begin arriving
on Niue

1846 The missionaries Peniamina and Fakafitifonua return from Samoa and
convert many Niueans to Christianity
1849 Samoan missionary Paulo lands on the island and is eventually very
successful at converting the population to Christianity; Paulo
establishes the first fono (lawmaking body), which helps Niueans talk
through their conflicts rather than go to war
1849 British Captain John Erskine on HMS Havannah visits Niue
18301850s Most Niueans convert to Christianity

1861 Christian missionary George Lawes arrives on Niue; he is eventually

replaced by his brother, Frank Lawes, who stays on the island for 42
years
1863 Around one hundred Niueans are taken captive and sent to work as
slaves in Peru

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1887 King Tuitoga dies and months later is replaced by King Fataaiki
1889 Niuean chiefs write to British queen Victoria asking for protection from
other colonial powers, but their request isnt accepted by the British
Empire

1900
1900 Niue becomes a British protectorate (country protected by another
country)

1901 New Zealand takes formal control of Niue and makes it a part of the
Cook Islands

1903 Niue becomes a separate governing area from the Cook Islands
191418 Around 150 Niueans participate in World War I; many do not
returnmost of them dying from illness

1927 English replaces Niuean (Vagahau Niue) as the main language used in
schools
195960 Two major cyclones hit the islandone in 1959 and one in 1960;
massive efforts are required to help the island recover
1960 The first legislative assembly (lawmaking body) is elected in Niue
1974 Niue is given self-governing status by the New Zealand parliament; the
country votes on a new constitution

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2000
2003 Internet Users Society-Niue begins offering free wireless internet
across the island; this service lasts until 2016
2004 The Category 5 storm Cyclone Heta hits Niue and causes extensive
damage (about US$85 million)

2013 Niue joins other Pacific island nations in signing the Majuro
Declaration, which calls on countries around the world to do more to
protect the environment and stop climate change

2015 Niue, along with other island nations, asks the United Nations for
money and help in recovering from cyclones and other natural
disasters

PRESENT

Early Inhabitants
Niue was settled around AD 900 by settlers from Samoa. Settlers from Tonga arrived in
the 1500s and are thought to have been part of a war party. They were eventually
joined by settlers from Pukapukaan atoll (ring-shaped coral reef) in the Cook Islands.
One of the earliest known names for Niue was Nukututaha, or the island that stands
alone. Much of early Niuean history was recorded orally (spoken but not written) and
passed down in stories from one generation to the next. These oral histories included
stories about battles between different villages and about Niues contact with other
islands. They also recorded the family lines of Niues patuiki (royal leader, or head
chief). One of the earliest known royal leaders of Niue was King Punimata Tuitoga, who
reigned about 400 years ago.

There are a few Niuean myths about how the island was formed. One tells the story of
two Tongans named Huanaki and Fao, who, according to legend, swam to the island of
Niue from Tonga, arriving at Motu on the eastern coast. When Huanaki and Fao
reached the island, it was only slightly above the ocean and partly covered by water.
They climbed on top of the island and stomped their feet on the surface, making the
island rise up out of the sea, with the water sliding off the edges to reveal dry land.
Huanaki and Fao then stomped their feet again, which caused trees, grass, and plants

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to come out of the ground. In some Pacific island cultures, such as on Niue and Tonga,
earthquakes were sometimes thought to be the result of the gods stamping on the
ground, causing islands to rise up further out of the ocean. The aftershocks of
earthquakes were believed to be echoes from the gods stamping about.

Explorers and Early Visitors

The English navigator and captain James Cook sighted Niue in 1774 but failed to land.
He tried to land three different times, but each time was refused by the local population.
In one attempt, the arm of a member of Cooks crew was injured by a stone thrown
from the people on shore. Frustrated with the local peoples rejection, Cook named the
island Savage Island. The Niuean way of defending themselves by stone-throwing
was another reason for Cooks name for the island.

While Captain Cook described Niuean stone-throwing as savage, the Niueans actually
had an advanced system of stone-throwing that was a part of their warfare for
generations. The throwing stones were carefully carved from stalagmites or stalactites
(rock formations that rise up from a cave floor or hang from a cave roof) found in Niues
caves. The stones were then smoothed against a rock or sharp coralusually into the
shape of a sphere. Most throwing stones were small and were thrown by hand or with
the use of a sling. Several explorers and missionaries noted how exact the Niueans
aim was.

Christian Missionaries
Because Niue did not have many natural resources (like valuable crops or minerals),
trade ships rarely visited the island. In the 1830s, missionaries from the London
Missionary Society (LMS) started to arrive on Niue. Niueans were mostly against the
idea of missionaries and traders coming to the island, because each group of foreigners
usually brought new diseases with them, which led to outbreaks. When the famous
Christian missionary John Williams tried to land on Niue in 1830, he found tribesmen
lining the beaches holding spears, slings, and pouches of throwing stones.

The first missionaries to the island relied on a Niuean man named Peniamina to work
as an interpreter between themselves and the people. Peniamina had left Niue on a
whaling ship, and by the time he returned to the island in 1846, he had learned English
and converted to Christianity. Most islanders were reluctant to let him land, as there
was a common belief that someone who left the island was dead and would only return
in the form of a ghost. However, the people of Mutalau eventually let Peniamina land at
their village.

The first missionary to have a lot of success on Niue was a Samoan man named Paulo,
who landed on the island in 1849. By the 1860s, most of the population had converted
to Christianity. This brought about many changes in Niuean society, as many of their
ancestral customs and traditions were quickly replaced by Christian ones.

Missionaries from the LMS founded a permanent mission on Niue in the 1860s and
began to set up schools that focused on teaching English and the history of the British
Empire. They discouraged the local people from practicing Aga Faka-Motu (Niuean
traditional culture), which had been passed down for generations. One missionary,
Archibald Murray, described a traditional Niuean practice in which the crops of a
deceased person were burned so that they could go with the person into the afterlife.
The missionaries didnt understand this custom, so they urged the local people not to
continue it.

Many missionaries also encouraged Niueans to get rid of traditional ritual objects, such
as wooden figures they believed to be idols (figures used for worship). For this reason,
few remain that are in good condition. Paulo encouraged the people to stop fighting and

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put away their weaponswhich included throwing stonesso there are few traditional
throwing stones in existence today.

Colonial Powers and Self-Government

In 1900, Niue became a British protectorate (country protected by another country). But
the next year, in 1901, it was decided that Niue would be annexed (joined or attached)
to New Zealands territories. At first, New Zealand thought it would be easiest if it could
govern Niue and the Cook Islands as one territory. However, most Niueans were
against this idea, as they worried about keeping their culture alive. Niue became its own
separate territory in 1903.

In 1927, English replaced Vagahau Niue (the Niuean language) as the countrys official
language. After major cyclones hit the island in 1959 and 1960, much of Niue had to be
rebuilt. In 1974, Niue gained independence, although it remained in free association
(politically allied) with New Zealand; Niue was still a part of New Zealand but had
control over its own local affairs and could elect its own leader. Sir Robert Rex was
elected in 1974 as the first premier of Niue.

Niue Today
Today, Niue remains a self-governing territory in free association (politically allied) with
New Zealand. Niueans are New Zealand citizens and can study or work in New
Zealand without a visa (permit). Many Niueans have emigrated (left their own country to
live in another) to New Zealand for better jobs and educational opportunities; nearly
24,000 Niueans live in New Zealand, compared to less than 1,500 that live on the
island itself. One of Niues biggest challenges today is trying to grow its population and
convincing Niueans to stay or return to live in Niue.

Niue is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), a group of countries that works
together to address issues unique to nations in the Pacific region. Today, the most
difficult of these problems is dealing with natural disasters such as cyclones and other
tropical storms, which many believe have begun to happen more often and with more
intensity as a result of a changing climate. In 2004, Niue experienced a Category 5
tropical storm named Cyclone Heta, which destroyed much of the capital city of Alofi.
Cyclone Heta damaged housing, crops, and sources of electricity and also polluted
ground water (water beneath the earths surface). Niueans are concerned that cyclones
will become stronger and more common as a result of a changing global climate.

Games and Sports

Cricket (similar to baseball) is popular in Niue. It was introduced to the local population
in the late 1800s by English missionaries or sailors and quickly spread throughout the
island. One missionary's journal entry from 1902 mentioned 11 villages that were
competing against each other in cricket. Rugby is also popular in Niue. Many Niueans
like to play volleyball, soccer, and tennis. Other common sports include rugby sevens (a
version of rugby played with seven-player teams and seven-minute halves), weight
lifting, canoeing, and netball (similar to basketball), as well and track-and-field and table
tennis (ping-pong). Many Niueans also enjoy dancing, and it's common for young
people to go dancing on the weekends.

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Holidays
Christmas is a major holiday in Niue, and most families try to spend a lot of time
together during this holiday. Niueans living in New Zealand or elsewhere usually try to
come home and see their families during Christmas, often staying until January. A
Niuean umu (a traditional underground oven) is still an important way of cooking for
large events and celebrations.

Peniamina's Day celebrates the Christian missionary Nukai Peniamina, who played a
big role in converting most of the island to Christianity. He is considered the father of
modern Niue. While the entire island celebrates this holiday, the largest celebrations
take place in Mutalau, Peniamina's village, and usually happen in late October.

Food
Most families have a small bush garden (a garden that is owned by the whole family).
Family members work in the garden to grow starchy vegetables like talo (taro), cassava
(a root vegetable), and yams and to grow fruits like bananas, pawpaw (papaya), and
coconuts. Talo, a root vegetable, is an important part of many meals and is usually
eaten with some kind of meatmost often fish. Coconut cream is an important
ingredient in many traditional Niuean dishes, including faikai ika, or fish baked in
coconut cream. In another dish, takihi, talo and pawpaw are cooked in coconut cream
in an umu (a traditional underground oven). Some meals might also include bread,
potatoes, and other meats.

Many Niuean families raise chickens on their family plots, and some raise pigs. Since
all Niuean villages are close to the ocean, most families fish and collect crustaceans
(animals such as crabs and lobsters that have a hard covering and two pairs of
antennas, or feelers) and shellfish. Niueans also buy imported (bought from other
countries) meats, like beef, canned corned beef, and frozen chicken. Vegetables and
fruits that do not grow in the tropics are also imported, as are soft drinks and alcohol.

Most children grow up eating a favorite Niuean dish called nane. Nane is a clear, thin
porridge made by combining powder from the Polynesian arrowroot (a vegetable similar
to a yam) with coconut juice and scraped coconut kernel; the ingredients are mixed
together over heat until they become a porridge.

Most Niueans eat breakfast and dinner; lunch is sometimes skipped depending on a
person's work or other responsibilities. In the past, before there was refrigeration on the
island, people often did not eat breakfast. If they did, it usually included fruit or leftovers
from the night before. Today, while most houses have electricity or gas, many families
continue to cook with an umu (a traditional underground oven). Bakeries sell different
kinds of bread, including coconut bread.

Schools

Adult Literacy
95%

Public schools are free, and all children are required to attend school from the ages of
five to fourteen. Nearly all children complete primary (elementary) school, and most
finish secondary (high) school. Most primary and secondary schools are located in the
capital city of Alofi, so children travel from the villages. Niuean schools base their
educational system and materials off of New Zealand's. A local campus of the
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University of the South Pacific (which is based in Fiji) offers some college courses, but
students mostly travel to other countries if they want to get a college degree.

Life as a Kid
Most children belong to a particular church and grow up learning religious teachings. All
shops are closed on Sundays out of respect for the Christian Sabbath (day of rest and
worship). Most activities are village-based or family-based and involve a lot of people.
Niuean children and teenagers usually grow their own food and crops in their family's
garden or farm. When children go to the sea, it is usually to gather food rather than to
play.

As Niuean children grow older, the passage of time is marked by special ceremonies,
including the ear-piercing ceremony (huki teliga) for girls and the hair-cutting ceremony
(hifi ulu) for boys. The ceremonies are formal celebrations and involve a large
gathering, a huge feast, and the giving of presents. The ear-piercing ceremony is
usually held when a girl reaches the age of 12, or an age decided by the family. Having
her ears pierced is a sign that a girl has passed from childhood into the next age group.

After a boy is born, the parents allow his hair to grow for years without cutting
itsometimes it reaches his knees in length. The hair-cutting ceremony usually takes
place by the time a boy is 12 years old. His family holds a huge feast to celebrate the
cutting of his hair, which symbolizes that that he has moved from childhood to the next
age group. Guests are invited to participate and cut his hair, and in exchange, the boy
is given presents or money.

Children are treasured by their families and communities. This is evident in the phrase
Ko e atuhau tupuhake ko e alito he magafaoa, meaning "Children are the most precious
treasures of their families." Today, children are seen as especially important because of
Niue's shrinking population. However, many Niuean children grow up wanting to leave
the island to go find better education and work opportunities in countries such as New
Zealand, Australia, or the United States.

Government

Capital
Alofi
Head of State
Queen Elizabeth II (U.K.)
Head of Government
Premier Toke Talagi

Niue is a self-governing country that is in free association (politically allied) with New Zealand, which is about 1,500
miles (2,414 kilometers) to the southwest. New Zealand takes care of Niue's defense and also helps with international
affairs. Niue's head of state is Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (who is also New Zealand's head of state).
Niue is part of the British Commonwealth (an organization made up of former British colonies), and its government is
based on the British system. The lawmaking body of Niue is called the Legislative Assembly and has 20 members, who
serve three-year terms in office; 14 of these are elected by village districts and 6 are chosen by the general population.
The Legislative Assembly elects a premier, and the premier chooses three cabinet ministers. The voting age is 18, and
a general election is held every three years. At the local level, most villages are governed by a village council that
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makes decisions on issues relating to the community.

Money and Economy

Currency
New Zealand dollar

Niue receives a lot of financial help, most of which comes from New Zealand, Australia,
and the United Nations (UN). The Niuean economy is based on farming and fishing, but
Niue imports (buys from other countries) other foods and sources of fuel. Most Niueans
have their own family gardening plots, where they grow enough food to provide for their
families. Important crops include taro (a root vegetable), yams, bananas, and
sugarcane, as well as fruits like papaya and guava.

Almost all land in Niue is under a system called customary land ownership, in which
land is passed down from generation to generation and cannot be sold to foreigners.
Because land in Niue is often passed down without official paperwork, disagreements
about where one family's land starts and another's land ends take place. Foreign
companies that want to set up businesses in Niue usually purchase long-term leases
(rental contracts) that can last for dozens of years. This makes it difficult for
international businesses to set up their companies in Niue.

Because Niue's population is very small and lives mostly around the coast, many of the
island's forests are still healthy. These forests, along with Niue's unique coral reefs and
hidden caves, are popular tourist spots. Tourism has developed a lot in recent years.
The government continues to try to create jobs and improve the economy in order to
encourage Niueans living in New Zealand and in other countries to return to live in
Niue.

Getting Around
The majority of Niueans live in villages near the coast, and nearly all villages are
connected to Niue's major route, the ring road. The ring road circles the island near the
coast and is mostly paved. Most main roads are paved, but smaller roads often are not.
Most families own a car, and people drive on the left side of the road. There are no
public buses or other public transportation. Niue has one airport. Flights connect to New
Zealand but usually only run once a week (except in the busiest holiday season).

Because the island is surrounded by rocks and coral reefs, it is difficult for large ships to
come. Every few weeks, supply ships dock in the capital city of Alofi, which is home to
the only major port. Otherwise, Niue has limited interactions with other countries. The
cost of shipping food and other goods to the island is expensive, which makes imported
goods (things shipped in from other countries) more expensive than food or products
grown or produced in Niue.

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Music and Dance

Ogo Fakamotu (Niuean music) plays an important role in Niuean communities,
including in family and social gatherings and religious services. In the past, Takalo (war
dances) were an important way to prepare for battle; today, Niuean Takalo are mainly
performed at cultural celebrations and other gatherings. Traditional Niuean chanting
called Taufeuhi is used by Niueans who are mourning the death of a loved one.

One traditional instrument used in Niue is the nafa (a type of drum). The nafa is a small
drum usually made of a hollowed-out log with a large slit running all the way down the
middle; the drummer beats the instrument with two sticks. The nafa is used to
accompany dancers. The drummer helps the dancers keep the beat and sends them
signalssuch as when to start another part of the dance.

A large version of the drum is called a logo and is thought to have originally come from
Samoa. The logo was used for communication and was beaten as a way to signal the
beginning of church services. In other Pacific societies, like in Vanuatu and Papua New
Guinea, enormous logo were used to communicate between villages. Communities
developed something like Morse code to send messages to each other across long
distances.

Learn More
Contact the Embassy of New Zealand, 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008; phone (202) 328-4800; web
site www.mfat.govt.nz. Or contact the Niue Tourism Office, web site www.niueisland.com.

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