Niue General Information Area: 262.7 sq km (101.4 sq miles). Population: 1857 (official estimate 2001). Population Density: 7.1 per sq km. Capital: Alofi. Population: 750 (2001). GEOGRAPHY: Niue is an isolated island located 480km (298 miles) east of Tonga, 560km (348 miles) southeast of Western Samoa, 980km (609 miles) west of Rarotonga and 2400km (1500 miles) northeast of New Zealand. Affectionately known as ‘the rock’, Niue is reputedly the largest upraised coral atoll in the world. It has 6178 acres (2500 hectares) of the most undisturbed forests in the world, designated tapu areas by the locals, where no humans were allowed to set foot for centuries. Now all the tapu forests, except the one controlled by Hakupu village, are penetrable. These forests are full of lush undergrowth, coconut palms and some of the oldest ebony trees known. Light and scattered forest covers approximately 34,594 acres (14,000 hectares). At the edge of the forest, the coast gives way to coral outcrops. Government: Self-governing state in ‘free association’ with New Zealand. (New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs.) Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by High Commissioner John Bryan since 2001. Head of Government: Premier Young Vivian since 2002. Language: Niuean and English. Religion: Most people belong to the Ekalesia Niue, a Protestant denomination; also Latter Day Saints (Mormon), Jehovah’s Witness, Roman Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist. Time: GMT - 11. Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are the standard three-pin type. Telephone IDD and local facilities are available. Country code: 683. Outgoing international calls must be made through the operator. There are telephones in hotels, motels and guest-houses. Services are run by the Telecommunications Department located at the Commercial Centre in Alofi, which also provides fax facilities, and is open 24 hours a day. The following are local emergency telephone numbers: Police – 999. Fire – 4133. Hospital – 998. Internet ISPs include Internet Niue (website: www.niue.nu). Post The Niue Post Office is open Mon-Fri 0830-1500. Press The Niue Star is published weekly in English and Niuean. Television Television Niue broadcasts in English and Niuean in the evenings only. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 15.36 11.96 9.740 9.660 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 17.74 11.71 9.645 6.110 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes 1 Yes Australian Yes 1 Yes Canadian Yes 1 Yes USA Yes 1 Yes OtherEU Yes 1 Yes Japanese Yes 1 Yes PASSPORTS: Required by all. VISAS: Required by all except: (a) Nationals of New Zealand; (b) 1. Bona fide tourists staying less than 30 days with return or onward tickets, all documents required for the next destination and sufficient funds for length of stay. However an Entry Permit is required by all nationals, which is granted on arrival; (c) Those who are in transit, continuing their journey by the first or connecting aircraft and not leaving the airport. Note:Visas are required for all nationals staying for 30 days or longer. Entry permit requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Sufficient funds for duration of stay. (c) Return or onward ticket. Types of visa: Ordinary and Transit. Transit visas are not required by nationals of New Zealand or by other nationals continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided they hold valid onward documentation and are not leaving the airport. Validity: Entry Permit: 30 days. Extensions are available from the Immigration Office, PO Box 67, Administration Blocks, Alofi, Niue (tel: 4122; fax: 4150). Application to: Consulate or High Commission (see Contact Addresses section). Temporary residence: Check with the Immigration Office. Money Currency: The New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) is legal tender (see New Zealand section). Niue sometimes produces commemorative coins which, when available, may be obtained at the treasury. Currency exchange: The Westpac Banking Corporation in Alofi, the only commercial bank in Niue, can exchange currency. Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most hotels and resorts. Contact your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Currency restrictions: There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency. However, there are restrictions on postal notes, money orders, cheques or promissory notes in New Zealand currency, which must be declared to the Westpac Banking Corporation in Niue. Export of local currency is restricted to NZ$100. Export of foreign currency is restricted to the amount declared on arrival and authorisation from a bank is required. Exchange rate indicators: See New Zealand section. Banking hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1500, Fri 0830-1500. Duty Free The following items can be imported into Niue by persons of 17 years of age or older without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g of tobacco; 1 bottle of spirits (0.75l); 1 bottle of wine (0.75l); other goods to the value of NZ$50. Restricted imports: Firearms and ammunition are prohibited unless permission is received from the Chief of Police at the Police Department of Niue. Restricted exports: Artefacts, coral and valuable shells. Public Holidays Dec 25-26 2002 Christmas. Dec 29 Christmas Holiday. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Jan 4 Takai Commission Holiday. Feb 6 Waitangi Day. Apr 18-21 Easter. Apr 25 ANZAC Day. Jun 2 Queen’s Birthday. Oct 16-19 Constitution Celebrations. Oct 20 Peniamina’s Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Dec 29 Christmas Holiday. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Jan 4 Takai Commission Holiday. Feb 6 Waitangi Day. Apr 9-12 Easter. Apr 25 ANZAC Day. Jun 7 Queen’s Birthday. Oct 16-19 Constitution Celebrations. Oct 18 Peniamina’s Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Dec 29 Christmas Holiday. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No 1 Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio 2 N/A Malaria No N/A 1: A yellow fever certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas. 2: Typhoid may be a risk. Food & drink: Drinking water is from natural spring and rainwater, and is considered safe to drink. There is a low risk of travellers’ diarrhoea; exercise moderate food caution. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Other risks: Hepatitis A occurs and hepatitis B is endemic. Health care: The Lord Liverpool Hospital offers medical and dental treatment. There is a 24-hour on-call emergency service. Patients will be asked for on-the-spot payment. Complicated cases will be sent overseas to New Zealand. International travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure. Travel - International AIR: Royal Tongan Airlines (WR) provides weekly flights to Niue from Tonga with connections from Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; Samoa; Fiji; and Los Angeles, USA. The Polypass (offered by Polynesian Airlines) allows the holder to fly between the Southern Pacific destinations of American Samoa, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga; Honolulu (Hawaii) and Los Angeles in the USA; Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia; and Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington in New Zealand. The pass is valid for one year. Once a reservation has been made and travel begun, all travel must be completed within a maximum of 45 days. Tickets will be issued against the Polypass by any Polynesian Airlines office (a valid passport is also required). For further information, contact Polynesian Airlines (website: www.polynesianairlines.com). International airports: Niue International (IUE) (Hanan) is 7km (4 miles) north of Alofi. Tour buses are available from the airport to all tourist destinations. There are some shops at the airport, open for scheduled flights. Departure tax: NZ$20. SEA: It is possible to visit Niue by yacht; weekday arrivals are preferred. Moorings and buoys are available. Travel - Internal ROAD: There are 123km (76 miles) of paved roads in Niue. Driving is on the left. There is no organised public transport on Niue. Car hire: Cars can be hired on the island although it is best to make reservations before arrival. Car hire companies include Ama’s Rental, Alofi Rentals, Budget Rentals, Niue Rentals and Paradise Rentals. Mountain bikes, motorbikes, motorscooters and vans can also be hired on the island. Documentation: Along with their national driving licence, visitors must obtain a local licence from the Niue Police Department. Accommodation ANAIKI MOTEL: Located next to the Avaiki Caves at Makefu. This accommodation has five units in a long block (single/double/triple), breakfast included. A hot plate is provided for heating up simple meals. CORAL GARDENS MOTEL: Five self-contained studio-room chalets adjoining Sails Restaurant. Situated near a tropical coral garden close to Makefu and Alofi and in close proximity to popular reefs and swimming pools. HUVALU FOREST CAMP: Set in the beautiful Huvalu Forest near Hakupu village, this camp offers very basic accommodation with shared bathroom and cooking facilities and bunkhouse-style sleeping arrangements. KOLOLI’S GUEST-HOUSE: Built in the centre of Alofi, it provides a range of rooms, including a large bedroom suite, a large double bedroom, two double rooms and a twin room with shared bathroom facilities. There is a kitchen and barbecue area, or meals can be provided. MATAVAI RESORT: Situated on a cliff top, with views overlooking Dolphin Bay and the bays of Avatele and Tamakautoga, this resort is just ten minutes from Alofi, has 24 rooms and two executive suites. The main building houses a restaurant, two bars, conference facilities and two freshwater swimming pools. They also offer wedding packages. NAMUKULU MOTEL: With sea and reef views, this motel is situated a ten-minute drive from Alofi and a few minutes walk from Limu. It consists of three self-contained chalets which can sleep up to four people. There is a licensed restaurant and bar nearby, as well as opportunities for snorkelling, swimming and cycling. PELENI’S GUEST-HOUSE: A former family home in the centre of Alofi, it consists of three bedrooms with shared cooking, bathroom and lounge facilities. Meals can be provided. WAIMANU GUEST-HOUSE: Budget accommodation located 3km (2 miles) from the centre of Alofi, Waimanu is particularly suitable for school and diving groups. It has a range of rooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a house bar. HOTEL NIUE: Set on a cliff top in grounds with an amazing view of the ocean. It offers 20 rooms, bar, lounge, restaurant and dance floor. Introduction Reputedly the world’s largest coral island, Niue’s rugged coastline and reef offer excellent fishing, diving and snorkelling opportunities. Parakeets, white-tailed terns, weka and other exotic birds live on this island and butterflies are a common sight darting among the hibiscus and orchids. The island is well off the beaten track, and tourist numbers are low (about 1000 visitors in 1995). ALOFI: Recommended sites in Alofi include the Huanaki Cultural Centre, exhibiting unique Niuean artefacts; the Huanaki Museum, located next to the hospital and housing an interesting collection of artefacts and historical records; the Women’s Club Town Hall, with a craft shop featuring various handicrafts for sale; and Alofi Market, open Friday. THE NORTH: Some 5km (3 miles) north of Alofi, near Makapu Point, Peniamina’s Grave, the resting place of the Niuean who first brought Christianity to the island, can be found in a small clearing on the left side of the road. The Experimental Farm, a centre for animal husbandry and plant testing, is another popular destination for visitors. Opaahi is the site of Captain Cook’s landing where he received a hostile reception from the local people and was almost hit by a spear. There are good swimming holes at Vaitafe, 800m (2625ft) south of Fulala and 2.5km (1.5 miles) north of Lakepa, at Avaiki, and at Limu, perhaps the most beautiful on the north coast with its colourful coral and its wide variety of marine life (thatched cottages and a barbecue area can also be found here). THE SOUTH: Avatele Bay is another excellent location for swimming and snorkelling and visitors may watch the many fishermen in their canoes and dinghies who fish the bay’s waters for tuna, wahoo and marlin, as well as the spectacular sunsets that set over the bay. An interesting excursion is to the deserted village of Fatiau Tuai, 1600m (5249ft) from the main road on the seaward side of Vaiea Village. The original inhabitants suffered from an eye disease and the entire population was moved by the Government to Vaiea. The coastline here is stunning for its rough surf crashing against the shore and shooting up through blowholes. Chasms are another of Niue’s natural wonders. The amazing Vaikona Chasm can be reached by the Namuke sea track from the main road about 4km (2.5 miles) south of Liku. Togo Chasm is also popular. Located on the eastern side of the island, 4km (2.5 miles) north of Hakupu, it is one of Niue’s most magnificent scenic areas with a tropical rainforest, towering coral pinnacles and an oasis of white sand, coconut palms and a pond hidden beneath overhanging cliffs (guide recommended). Matapa Chasm is another well-known scenic attraction, reached by road from the foot of Hikutavake Hill. Vaotoi Pool, 3km (2 miles) north of Hakapu, is the scene of the wreck of a Japanese fishing vessel which was beached during a storm in 1967. However, access to many of the chasms and pools are along difficult paths and an experienced guide is usually considered necessary. CAVES: There are hundreds of caves and grottoes which are excellent for land explorations or dive sites. Various caves are used as repositories for canoes as well as for the bones of dead ancestors. Avaiki Cave is reported to be where the first settler’s canoe landed. Talava – The Arches are a group of extraordinary arches and caverns, many containing stalactites and stalagmites, which may be visited at low tide. Other caves known for their spectacular formations are Ulupaka Cave, reached by a track 800m (2625ft) south of Lakepa, and Palaha Caves, 180m (591ft) north of Palaha. Anatoloa Cave, 1600m (5249ft) north of Lakepa and a five-minute walk from the main road, is hard to find but is well worth the effort. Niuean mythology cites it as being the home of a dangerous god and human bones have been found within it. Sport & Activities Watersports: Surrounded on all sides by the crystal clear and unpolluted waters of the Pacific Ocean, Niue is an ideal destination for swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling. The island’s position on top of an undersea mountain and the absence of a fringing lagoon mean that dives are into the open Pacific. Coupled with the lack of rivers or streams on the island, these conditions help to create exceptional visibility (usually a minimum of 50m/164ft). Even in winter, water temperature stays around 25°C/78°F. Snorkellers and divers have the opportunity to encounter humpback whales and dolphins in Niuean waters. For further information as well as bookings of twin-hulled dive boats, scuba and snorkelling gear and PADI certification courses, contact Niue Dive, PO Box 140, Alofi, Niue (tel: 4311; fax: 4028; e-mail: niuedive@dive.nu; website: www.dive.nu). Below is a selection of the best diving sites in Niue: Avatele Bay: Three well-known dive sites are located in this popular bay, close to traditional fishing grounds and well suited for swimming and snorkelling. At Snake Gully, divers may observe the Niuean sea snake, as well as reef sharks and Maori wrasse. Advanced divers can head down the steep wall at Tepa Fans, which is adorned with large colonies of gorgonian coral. Ana Mahaga: This site, near Namukulu, is popular for cave diving as divers can explore two large caverns, also called the ‘Namukulu Motels’, which are connected by a narrow corridor. Namoui: Also close to Namukulu, this site is known for its beautiful coral formations; encounters with turtles occur regularly. Chimney: Situated close to Alofi, this location offers divers a chance to drop vertically through a shaft and side exit through a large cavern into the open sea. Anono: One of Niue’s most popular dive sites, this area was declared a marine national reserve in 1998. Beveridge Reef: Located 192km (120 miles) east of Niue, this is a fairly recent addition to the country’s top diving sites and, as yet, not fully exploited commercially. There is a shipwreck in the area for wreck diving, as well as a varied marine population including eagle rays and coral trout. Special cruise packages to the reef are available. Because of the sheer drops from reefs into deep ocean, land-based game fishing is a unique experience here. Red bass, wahoo (also known locally as paala), tuna, sailfish and marlin abound. Traditional outrigger canoes and motor boats can be arranged for line-fishing expeditions. Yachting: There are 11 moorings available at a fee of NZ$5-10 per day (a departure fee of NZ$20 per person is also payable). Visitors travelling to Niue by yacht should avoid arriving at weekends as entry clearance services provided by the Immigration and Port authorities are closed. On arrival, contact ZKN Niue Radio on VHF16; they will contact customs and arrange clearance, which must be gained before coming ashore, and arrange for mooring allocation. There are 18 moorings available which can be hired for NZ$5 per day. For further information, contact the Niue Yacht Club, PO Box 129, Alofi (e-mail: yachtclub@sin.net.nu; website: www.niueisland.com/yachting.htm). Other: There are excellent opportunities in Niue’s numerous caves, notably at Talava - The Arches, and several companies offer caving trips (see also Resorts & Excursions section). At Niue Sport Club, there is a 9-hole golf course, with balls, clubs and trundlers for hire, and two tennis courts. Traditional Niuean cricket is the most popular spectator sport and can be seen in any village when in season. Niue’s scenic rainforest areas, particularly around Hakupu and Kikutavake Hill in the east, are popular destinations for walking trips. Cycling is a good way to see the island along the 170km (106 miles) of bush tracks through scrub and rain forest. A number of companies rent out bicycles, scooters and motorbikes. For further information, contact the Niue Tourism Office or the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). Social Profile Food & Drink: Many ceremonies and social events stem from the processing of food. One community ritual is based on the extraction of nu pia starch from arrowroot, which is used in traditional dishes and soups and often given as a gift. Another ritualised ceremony surrounds ti root, which is made into a sweet drink or eaten as a sweet with coconuts. The luku fern is another indigenous plant used in Niuean cooking and is boiled, stir-fried or baked in an earth oven with coconut cream and chicken or corned beef. Other popular foods include taro, kumara, coconuts, pawpaw, bananas, tomatoes, capsicum and many varieties of yam. Restaurants in Niue include Sails Restaurant and the Matavai Resort. Lunch is available at Gabe’s, Niue Trading, Rex’s, Tapeu Fisheries, Tavana’s Snack Bar, Huanalli Snack Bar and Taki’s Cafe. Ciao Cafe, Voejays, Huanaki Snack Bar and Malino’s are open for lunch and dinner, bookings are required. Restaurants do not have service charge or tax. Nightlife: There is a number of enjoyable nightclubs, Veejays being one of the most popular. Other venues include Niue Hotel, Matavai Resort and Island Style. Hakupu Village also hosts a traditional cultural night once a week beginning with a tour of the village, followed by a traditional feast with dancing and singing. Shopping: Niuean women are especially regarded for the quality of their weaving, producing hats, baskets, handbags and mats from indigenous plants, such as pandanus, which make excellent buys for the visitor. These are available to visitors at the Niue Handicraft Shop in the Alofi Commercial Centre and Hinapoto Handcrafts at the Cultural Centre. Other recommended purchases include T-shirts and stamps. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0800-1600. There are generally one or two small stores in most villages around the island which are open in the evenings and during weekends. Special Events: For a complete list of special events, contact Niue Tourism Office (see Contact Addresses section). The following are a selection of events being held in 2003: Jan 2003 Takai Week. May Makefu Village Show Day. Jun Hakupu Atua Annual Show Day; Queen’s Birthday Golf Ambrose Tournament including Westpac Rally of the Rock. Jul Alofi South Show Day. Jul/Aug Cricket Season. Aug Lakepa Village Show Day. Sep Tuapa Village Show Day; Alofi North Village Annual Show Day. Oct Annual Constitution Golf Tournament; Avatele Village Show Day; Mutalau Village Show Day; Constitution Day Celebrations. Nov Annual Golf Championship; Tamakautonga Show Day. Dec 30 Liku Village Annual Show Day. Social Conventions: Niuean children are bestowed with gifts of money or handmade mats and cloths from their relatives upon coming of age, when girls have their ears pierced and boys receive their first haircut. It is polite to ask permission before entering private land. Niueans consider Sunday as a serious day of rest and most attend church both in the morning and afternoon. While many people play golf, go swimming or sightsee, certain activities, such as boating and fishing, are not allowed on Sunday. For further information on Sunday protocol, contact the Niue Tourism Office (see Contact Addresses section). Clothing is usually casual, cool and comfortable but women often wear a hat and cover their shoulders for church and men wear long trousers. Swimming attire is not acceptable in towns or villages. Tipping: Not encouraged. Business Profile Economy: There is a small amount of agriculture, producing coconuts and honey – some of which is exported – as well as yams, cassava and sweet potatoes for domestic consumption. But the weather is inclement (cyclones are a major problem) and two thirds of the land surface is unsuitable for cultivation. Some livestock is reared, again for local consumption. Tourism is worth about US$1 million annually and brings in foreign exchange; postage stamps are another valuable source of revenue. However, there is still a budgetary shortfall, which is made up for by aid from New Zealand and, more recently, Australia. In common with other small and remote Pacific island states, Niue has opted for the development of an ‘offshore’ financial services industry to boost the economy. The necessary legislation was passed by the Assembly in 1994, although little progress has been made, not least due to the intense competition from other Pacific island economies who have adopted the same strategy. Niue continues to suffer a drain on its resources as its younger, educated population leaves for New Zealand in search of work. Business: Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting and leaving. Lightweight or tropical suits are recommended for business. Official invitations will always state the dress code required: ‘formal’ means a jacket and tie for men and ‘fiafia’ means casual dress is acceptable. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1530. Conferences/Conventions: Matavai Resort conference rooms can seat 50-60 people or 120 theatre-style. For further details, contact the Niue Tourism Office (see Contact Addresses section) or Matavai Resort, PO Box 133, Alofi, Niue (tel: 4360; fax: 4361; e-mail: matavai@niue.nu). Climate Tropical climate bathed by southeast trade winds, Niue has warm days and pleasantly cool nights. Required clothing: Cotton shorts and shirts (or cotton dresses for women) with a wrap for the evenings. History and Government History: Most of the inhabitants of Niue descend from settlers from Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, who arrived between AD 600-1000, developing their own particular culture. The first Europeans reached Niue in the wake of Captain Cook’s expedition to the region in 1774. Administered by the London Missionary Society from 1846, it became a British Protectorate in 1900. The island was then formally annexed to New Zealand in 1901, as part of the Cook Islands. In October 1974, Niue was granted ‘self-government in free association with New Zealand’, making it the smallest self-governing state with that status. This also allows Niueans to retain New Zealand citizenship while maintaining self-government in their own country. Politics on the island have only become organised in the last few years. The only formal political party is the Niue People’s Action Party (NPAP), which has come to dominate politics on the island since its formation in 1987. Robert Rex, who was not a party member, stayed in office for ten years, latterly with the support of NPAP members. Rex died in December 1992 and was replaced by Mititaigimimene Young Vivian, who held the office until the next legislative election held in February 1993. After these, Frank Lui was elected premier to replace Vivian. With a narrow majority of just two seats, the Lui government proved somewhat unstable during its term of office but survived until February 1996, when it was re-elected. The NPAP has remained in control of the government ever since – Sani Lakatani took over the premiership following the 1999 election and the veteran Young Vivian took over once again, at the most recent poll in April 2002. The major problems facing Niue are chronic population decline caused by emigration and the vulnerability of the island’s status as an offshore tax haven (see Economy section), which is under threat from new measures designed to tackle international money laundering. Government: Niue has self-government in association with New Zealand, which looks after the island’s external affairs and defence. Executive roles rest with the premier and three other ministers. The 20-member parliament, the Fono Ekepule, which is elected every three years, is responsible for legislation. Fourteen of the members represent the 14 village constituencies and the other six are ‘common roll’ members. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.