30/12/2002 NIUE VANILLA IS PURELY NATURAL
The Niue vanilla is purely a natural plant of Niue. In fact vanilla just grow as a wild plant in Niue, and nobody knows that is the plant that provide the flavour for ice creams, and contribute to the sweet smell of a number of other things such as perfumes. Because the Niue vanilla is a natural variety, it is not vulnerable to diseases. The Niue vanilla is the highest quality of a vanilla because of its strong smell. It is always important for consumers to know that Niue vanilla is natural, and is not genetically engineered. Vanilla production in Niue is going to expand, more people are keen on planting vanilla and the Government is very supportive in providing new farmers with the necessary know-how and skills to grow vanilla. The vanilla plant normally takes about three years before it can bear fruits, which also means three years before anybody can generate some revenue. The most important skill farmers must know is how to pollinate the vanilla flowers.
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15/12/2002 POPULATION ISSUE GIVEN TOO MUCH ATTENTION
The population issue of Niue have taken up too much Government attention, denying other priority activities time and resources. It is now over 30 years since Niue tried to put into place policies for addressing Niue's declining population. Niue have also utilised the expertise offered by agencies such as UNFPA, to find a solution for solving a declining population. Some of these UNFPA experts are demographers and population experts, whom are unable to recommend a practical solution for Niue to follow. In fact most of the recommendations focus on the concept of "maintaining a living community" on Niue.
Maintaining a living community by identifying and responding to the needs of the existing population on Niue. This includes providing opportunities, especially for the young, to develop and strengthen their confidence, commitments and dedication to live on Niue. However Government policies continue to do very little in terms of directly responding to the needs of the young. It is important to note, that Niue is competing with New Zealand on where these young people may choose to live in the future. While New Zealand is always said to be too attractive and offering good choices, Niue must provide something better than New Zealand's.
Niue have to provide choices that will entice a long term commitment from the young people. This can include also the need to have a consistent policy in plotting and developing a career path for each young person, starting from when they starts at pre-school until they retire. These policies should be permanently entrench into law, which will prevent those in power from changing policies to suit their needs. There was also views expressed that Niue have to provide the same types of attractions that New Zealand have, such as employment, KFCs etc. It is impossible for Niue to have the similar available overnight. Perhaps efforts should also focus on why the Niue lifestyle, culture and weather is better than New Zealand's, and to promote why Niue is a better place to live compared to New Zealand.
Now is the time to refocus, and change the approach of addressing the population issue. Declining population should now be viewed as an advantage for Niue's development. Niue's population should be allowed to decline through migration, in a period of 5 years, while Niue implement policies that can help improve its economy. Migration also help alleviate social problems such as unemployment and crime, while the economy is re-organised.
It is hope that once Niue's economy improves and start offering jobs, then it is time for return migration to happen. The key benefit of return migration then is skilled labour, business experience including links to other business structures overseas. This model may hold a key for Niue's future.
It have also been noted with serious concern, that pessimism caused by the declining population, have continue to have an overpowering effects on any plan or development of Niue. Niue really need to make dramatic changes to the way it think about itself, with more focus on thinking positive, building confidence and to be optimistic about the future. While aid organisations will continue to comment that Niue's ability to continue to govern as a nation is now hindered by its population size. It should be realised that the smallest size of a nation is one person and Niue's current population is far from that point. nbn
14/12/2002 NIUE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES RIGHTS UNDER THREAT
Niue's unique culture and traditions, rich in crafts and cooking methods is under threat from outside commercial exploitation. Niueans especially the Government should take extra care in accepting aid funded projects, which involved the documentation of any methodology involving any Niuean culture, craft making or cooking. There was a book, which published in detail Niue's weaving techniques, this may may have contributed to so many Niue handicrafts now been made by non-Niueans. But it is also important to realise that documenting any Niue methodology was often lured by a culture preservation need. This preservation need will often do more harm to the long term interests of the Niueans and their culture, losing its uniqueness and far worst, people from other cultures are benefitting more than Niueans themselves. Therefore it is very important at this stage that Niue should start getting patents for some of our craft making and cooking methodologies.
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12/12/2002 KOREAN BOAT OFFER, GOOD FOR SCRAP METAL
The Korean offer to Niue of fishing boats, may be best utilised for scrap metal. The Niue Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Hon Bill Vakaafi Motufoou travelled last month to Korea to investigate the conditions of the ships. Hon Motufoou reports that the boats are not in a good condition, it may cost Niue to upgrade and repair the boats. At this stage Niue have yet to make a decision whether it is going to accept this boat offer from Korea. Niue is very cautious at this stage, because of budget constraints, anything that will cost may not receive the green light from Hon Premier Vivian's Cabinet.nbn
4/12/2002 NATURALLY NIUE SAID RAINSONG
The Yatch Rainsong was fortunate last year to visit Niue, one of the hidden treasures of the Pacific. Like many other tourists they took some very beautiful photos of Niue. These
Rainsong photos are of course very different to any other photos taken by others before. The photos shows why Niue is naturally beautiful, something that every tourist should find out why.
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2/12/2002 POSITIVE FORECAST FOR NIUE'S ECONOMY
Polynesian Airlines 2 weekly flights to Niue have helped revived the economy of Niue.
The future now looks positive and more and more tourists are expected to visit Niue
next year. The new flight schedules also help improves access to business
opportunities.
We are expecting an influx of visitors to the island and there are lots of
activties listed for the end of the year. The major ones will be the Alofi
150 year Celebrations, The Avatele opening of the Pastor's new house and the
Mormons 1 week long fellowship session culmintaing in a feast at the end of
the week. Reported by David Poihega, Niue Global Communitynbn
1/12/2002 NEWS UPDATES
We are back to provide more real business news from the Niue business environment.
To our regular visitors, thanks for your continuous support. During the last month
we were unable to keep the news updated due to reasons beyond our control. Please
if you have business news, let us know on motuz@xtra.co.nz.
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19/10/2002 NIUE CONSTITUTION DAY
NBN wish all the Niueans a happy Niue Constitution Day, we are all celebrating the 28th anniversary since Niue become a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand. On 19 October 1974, the Niue Constitution Act, Niue's supreme law comes into action, forming the system of government for Niue with three major organs, executive, judiciary and the legislative.
Self-Government in Niuean means Pule Fakamotu, literally means for Niueans to lead and in charge of their own affairs, this goal have now been achieved with every Government department in Niue now head by a Niuean.
Niue's special relationship with New Zealand is also highlighted in the Constitution under sections in which Niueans remain as New Zealand citizens, New Zealand to continue to provide administrative assistance to Niue, and New Zealand is responsible for Niue's defence and external affairs. This simply translate into, Niueans holding New Zealand passports and having visa free entry into New Zealand. New Zealand providing financial aid to Niue through direct budgetary support and funding of some development projects. In terms of defence New Zealand provide a service of patrolling some of Niue's sea area, looking out for illegal fishing vessels.
However, today while Niueans celebrate, the special relationship with New Zealand, have proven to be a lifeline for Niue and at the same time continues to "suffocate" Niue, diminshing Niue's ability to survive as a viable state. The New Zealand citizenship provide opportunities for Niueans to move to New Zealand for
employment, education and business, depleting human resources on Niue in a short term as
it currently experience. The long term benefit of this process, is not remittances as
experience by the economies of our neighbours Samoa and Tonga. In fact studies
commissioned by IMF and the World Bank have proven that more monies are flowing back to
New Zealand. The main reasons for this is mainly because of family structure. Extended
families are now all living in New Zealand, including parents and grandparents, so there
is no more need
to send money to Niue. But with more money flowing into New Zealand from Niue, which
proves the fact that Niue is also funding New Zealand's economy. For the record, every year
Niue inject back into New Zealand's economy more than the total New Zealand aid sent
to Niue. New Zealand So money given to
Niue by New Zealand through aid, flows back to New Zealand through imports, including
Niue's own monies from other aid donors, trade and other business operations. Other
business operations includes leasing of phone circuits for sex calls and offshore
banking also known as harmful tax competition. So New Zealand also benefit from every
dollar Niue earn from its IBCs, in fact every member of the OECD benefit from offshore
banking and money laundering. OECD is very concern with dollars made or created through harmful
tax competition, but always keep a blind eye when that dollar is spend and flows into
their economies. (this article is work in progress)
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9/10/2002 CHEAPER PACKAGES TO NIUE AS LOW AS NZD$739
Kololis Guesthouse From NZD$749
Anaiki Motel From NZD$799
Hotel Niue From NZD$829
Namukulu Motel From NZD$845 Includes free breakfast starter pack on arrival and complimentaryuse of 10-speed bikes.
Matavai Resort From NZD$890 Includes daily continental breakfasts, free use of mountain bikes, free use if tennis racquets and golf clubs, free in-house movie selection and daily lunches.
Conditions Apply. Valid for travel commenced and completed 26 Oct - 30 Nov 2002. All prices based on twin share (per person) and include return economy class airfares from Auckland flying Polynesian Airlines. accommodation, return airport transfers and bonus offers where indicated. Airfares are exclusive of airport taxes, travel agent service fees, security/insurance charges and where applicable CAA domestic passenger levies. Subject to change without notice. Contact GO Holidays on 09 914 4005 or email shorthaul@gogogo.co.nz
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9/10/2002 FLY TO NIUE ON 15 OCT AT NZD$899 RETURN
It only cost NZD$899 return to fly to Niue from Auckland on 15 October, and you will be able to join in the fun of Celebrating Niue Constitution Day on Niue on 19th October 2002. For further details contact your travel agent.
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19/09/2002 POLYNESIAN SCHEDULE AND AIRFARES
The finer details of the Polynesian Airlines direct flight to Niue from Auckland have finally been released. Polynesian Airlines will operate a Boeing 737-800 jet on this route, which have about 150 seats. The flight will depart Auckland for Niue on Saturdays at 11.00am New Zealand time, duration of flight is around 3 hours and 30 minutes, the flight will arrive in Niue at around 3.30pm on Friday Niue time, the plane will fly on to Samoa. The return flight to Auckland starts from Samoa, will depart Niue on Mondays 3.00pm and will arrive in Auckland around 6.00pm on Tuesdays.
The Niue\Auckland return airfares for low season from January to November is NZD$1090, peak season fare from December to January is NZD$1260 30 days fare. The return airfare to Samoa from Niue is NZD$335, NZD$350 for business class. Please note NBN have yet to receive official confirmation for these airfares.
This flight schedule provide a very good intinerary for New Zealanders, Australians, Americans and even Europeans to spend a weekend on Niue, especially those who is in a real need for a time away from their busy lifestyles. Niue got a perfect setting and natural environment to rejuvenate your exhausted body. So hurry up and make that flight booking to Niue now.
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10/09/2002 GOVERNMENT OF NIUE SIGN AGREEMENT WITH POLYNESIAN AIRLINES
The Government of Niue last week signed an agreement with Polynesian Airlines. This agreement grant Polynesian Airlines five years with air rights to operate flights out of Niue. The first flight is now schedule to start at the end of October. The flight from Auckland will leave on Saturday, which is Friday on Niue. The flight from Niue heading to Auckland will leave on Monday. Both flights will enroute to or from Apia, Samoa. At this stage the airfares for both routes have yet to be anounced, however it is estimated to be around $800.
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26/08/2002 POLYNESIAN AIRLINES NIUE BOUND
The planned direct air service between Auckland and Niue is now set to become a reality, with the first flight very likely to land before the Constitution celebrations in October. The biggest challenge now is for Niue's planners and administrators to make good use of this opportunity for developing Niue's economy. While New Zealand have done a great task in helping Niue get an air service, Niueans should work really hard to ensure that this opportunity will benefit them and the whole of Niue. Village Councils and community groups should be encouraged and supported to develop their own tourism ventures. During the past 10 years too much emphasis was given to the private businesses, ignoring the need to convince the communities that they can also benefit from tourism. The Hakupu Fiafia Tour is only one example, but this can become bigger and better if proper plans and support is offered for such a venture.
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26/08/2002 BUDGET ON FAST MODE
The 2002 Budget will be heading back into Fale Fono, a bit earlier than the planned date of 5 September. The Niue Legislative Assembly will meet on Tuesday this week, Niue time, to consider and vote for the first budget of Premier Vivian's Government. The Budget is expected to be passed. In this Budget, the salaries of the public servants, and the grants for Village Councils will remain untouched. This is a great relief to everyone on Niue, who have been previously warned, of the planned 20 percent cuts of spending across the board. While the deficit problem may still need urgent attention, Premier Vivian and his team may have plans to reduce and get rid of this deficit in a manageable manner. This can be done within the next three years, reducing it at around $460,000 per year. However in order for this to happen, spending must reduce, or/and revenue must increase. The new air service will also help improve Niue's economy.
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26/08/2002 NIUE GLOBAL COMMUNITY 2nd BIRTHDAY WRITING COMPETITION
Sponsors: Manaima Fanau, Kaulima Jewellers Ltd, Niue Business News
Theme: Niuean culture and traditions
Categories
(1)Poems (English language)
(2)Poems (Niuean language)
(3)Short Story (English Language)
(4)Short Story (Niuean Language)
(5)Photos
(6)Songs
Rules:
a) Length should not be more than one A4 page, type using MS WORD, and single space;
b) Only one story\poem per person for each category;
c) Stories be posted on NGC, or to my e-mail komutas1@xtra.co.nz or
posted by mail to Frank Sioneholo, 12B/33 Mount, Auckland CBD,
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND
d) Competition closes on Tuesday 17 September 2002.
e) Winners will be announced on Niue Constitution Day 19 October
2002.
f) Judges decision is final.
g) Late entries will not be accepted.
h) Competition is open to everyone including NGC members.
i) Only one prize for each category, however 2nd and 3rd place getters will be anounced;
j) All the stories, poems, songs and photos will become properties of the Niue Global Community.
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11/08/2002 SEPTEMBER 5TH IS JUDGEMENT DAY
The smokes may have now disappeared from the previous clash of Niue's political mighty, but this is just the beginning of show time that will not last until September 5 where the Niue Legislative Assembly, also known as Fono Ekepule, will go into another sitting. In this sitting the budget will also be tabled and is expected to receive the majority support for it to pass. This is going to be a real judgement day for Niue law makers, to show their commitment and dedication to the country and the people they serve. Niue’s attention should now focus on the current problems, and it is totally unacceptable to oppose the budget just for the sake of removing Premier Vivian’s Government. This weekend political groups may have regroup and prepare for the future, friends continue to be friends, and enemies will reconcile and accept the inevitable, as they plot their course for 5th September. The public will only observe from a distance, if law makers opted for fresh elections, voters will have to select carefully who to represent them next in the Fale Fono. Niue needed the talented who are committed and dedicated, not another set of cowboys who are in town for personal agendas and greed.
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11/08/2002 NEW MINISTER HON FISA PIHIGIA
The fall out from the current political happenings on the Rock have landed Tuapa MP Hon Fisa Pihigia in the vacant minister post previously held by former Deputy Premier Sani Lakatani. Lakatani ejected from the ministerial cockpit last week by Premier Vivian for voting against the budget tabled by Minister of Finance Hon Toke Talagi. Hon Pihigia was sworn in last week, at this stage it have yet to be announced what portfolios Premier Vivian will put on the new minister’s plate. Hon Pihigia was previously a Minister and Associate Minister in a number of previous Governments, and head of the UNESCO mission in Niue. Hon Fisa Igilisi Pihigia was a career public servant who works as Collector of Customs in the Niue Treasury, once an Executive member of the Public Servants Association and founding President of the Niue Youth Council.
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10/08/2002 DEPUTY PREMIER LAKATANI SACKED
The "this for that" reaction of Hon Premier Young Vivian's to his second in command, now former Deputy Premier Sani Lakatani, is quite fast and swift as the Premier step his foot down to restore order in his faction. This decision made by Premier Vivian not only remove ministerial powers from his "former mate", but also reduce Lakatani's salary and removing his white car. While the unrest in the group is still to rest, it will also be interesting to see the abilities of Niue's 20 politicians on making meaningful judgements which best serve the interests of Niue at this stage, the tightening of spending due to severe resource constraints. There is a likelihood that Lakatani will drag with him his followers to join the opposition, and Opposition MPs may jump to unseat Premier Vivian and his crew. All the Ekepules should support Premier Vivian's Government which is their duty and the moral thing to do. At this stage there is nothing to justify having another election, this is sparked by events ochestrated by some politicians self interests and should be ignored and put to rest and allow the Government to govern and concentrate on important issues on hand.
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10/08/2002 BUDGET FAILS FIRST READING
The first budget of the Minister for Finance Hon. Toke Talagi fails to win in its first reading in the Niue Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, in a vote of 9 to 7. Some MPs are still overseas which is a reason for not having a full House of 20 when the vote was taken. However opposition to the budget was largely fuelled by key members of Premier Vivian's Government crossing the floor. Former Premier and now former Deputy Premier Sani Lakatani and his loyal followers Alofi South MP Bob Matua Rex and Toi MP Dion Paki Taufitu, both are former ministers in the previous Lakatani Government, voted against the budget. This mere event have sparked a new series of events in the politics of Niue. The tourism promotion slogan of Niue, The Rock of Polynesia, portray Niue's geographical and physical features, but recent events in the Niue political forefront may have now changed that to "rocking politics". The Fono Ekepule did not re-convene following the debate on the budget, some observers said that this is planned to avoid the Government getting a "slap" on the face, in case the opposition may move a vote of no confidence in Premier Vivian's Government.
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06/08/2002 NEW AIRLINE SERVICE STARTS IN OCTOBER
The long drought on a direct airline link between Niue and Auckland may soon be over. The Government of Niue last week anounced that they have agreed with a Pacific based carrier to start operating as early as October. While finer details of the service is still being negotiated between the parties, a Auckland/Niue flight is schedule for Tuesdays and Niue/Auckland flight on Saturdays. This news is good news for Niue's tourism industry after waiting for over eight years for this to happen. The last scheduled direct air link between Niue and Auckland was provided by Polynesian Airlines which ended in 1994. The service was initially part of the failed Niue Airlines. While no details given on which airline will involve, some sources commented that Polynesian Airlines is a very likely player.
CLICK HERE--PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT: NIUE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES JET AIRLINE SERVICE BREAKTHROUGH nbn
04/08/2002 ALOFI RENTALS FOR SALE AT HALF A MILLION
The business Alofi Rentals owned by Mary Saunders and her late husband Wally Saunders, is now for sale and asking for NZ$0.5 million for it. Alofi Rentals plays a major role for tourism in Niue, when tourism slowed down during the past eight years, most of the Alofi Rentals customers are Niueans. At the moment, the Government is putting more efforts into improving the airline services to Niue, this will help bring more tourists to Niue. CLICK HERE Alofi Rentals Business for Sale
Niue Island, South Pacificnbn
02/08/2002 MANCHESTER GAMES BOOSTED NIUE PROMOTIONS
The participation of the Niue team at the Manchester Commonwealth Games have boosted the promotions of Niue as a tourist destination. Many people who know nothing about Niue, now know where is Niue.
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17/07/2002 WORLDCOM SNEEZES PASSING NIUE THE COLD
It is reported that part of the financial problems currently face by Niue also have links to the Worldcom troubles. NBN will research these and report back soon.
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17/07/2002 TOURISM NOW ON PREMIER'S PLATE
The tourism portfolio is now taken over by the Hon Premier Young Vivian. Tourism was one of Hon Toke Talagi's portfolios. Opposition MP Hon Terry Coe have been campaigning for the change highlighting the apparent conflict of interest Toke may have as a major shareholder of the Niue Hotel joint venture, and also the operator of the Peleni's Travel, the only travel agency in Niue at the moment.
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07/07/2002 I.T STRATEGY BACK ON DRAWING BOARD
A team from UNDP including IT expert Taholo Kami from Tonga will be in Niue next week to participate in a seminar on further developing Niue's Information Technology Strategy. This is a follow up on a similar seminar held last year. Information Techonology is one of the Government's development priority. NBN understand that part of the strategy is to attract IT enterprenuers from overseas to invest in Niue. The DOT NU inquiry is also still yet to complete, and it will be interesting to find out the view of the seminar regarding DOT NU.
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09/07/2002 SCALPELS IN ACTION TO AVERT LOOMING CRISIS
The new boys on the block have just put away their party gear, and to be confronted with a frightening crisis in store for them. This may have been one of the main reasons Hon Toke Talagi and Hon Bill Vakaafi was included in Premier Vivian’s Cabinet, to clean up the big mess left by their colleague former Minister of Finance and former Premier of Niue Hon Sani Lakatani. When Lakatani was in power he went on a spending spree with deficit budgets, spending money that is still to be earned, putting at risk the whole of Niue of facing very severe financial risks in the future. The future is here and scalpels are sharpened to swing into operations, dissecting various organs of Government to soften the blow Niue will face because of the looming financial crisis. Despite how politicians will call it, the reality is Niue is facing a fincnacial crisis, and there is no other way to describe this. There will be cost cutting measures now in the plans to reduce costs and pump up revenues, so folks need to bear in mind that soon owning a car and a dog may be much dearer. Govt will soon be asking taxman Sione Pokau Sionetama to collect more tax. The ordinary man in the village who rely on selling taros in the market on Fridays is going to be hard hit by such policy of collecting more tax.
Lakatani’s actions demonstrate negligence and failure to honour his public role, to make responsible decisions. The former Minister of Finance’s action raise questions on the real values and principles of democracy ?why should people elect into office someone who will in turn involve in decisions and actions that will cause suffering to the same people that elect him or her into power. But much of Lakatani's spending spree was on implementing policies for buying votes, such as the salary increases of the public servants. These increases are now very likely to be reversed in order to make the 20 percent saving required.
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07/07/2002 I.T STRATEGY BACK ON DRAWING BOARD
A team from UNDP including IT expert Taholo Kami from Tonga will be in Niue next week to participate in a seminar on further developing Niue's Information Technology Strategy. This is a follow up on a similar seminar held last year. Information Techonology is one of the Government's development priority. NBN understand that part of the strategy is to attract IT enterprenuers from overseas to invest in Niue. The DOT NU inquiry is also still yet to complete, and it will be interesting to find out the view of the seminar regarding DOT NU.
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07/07/2002 BEACH FUN
The best place to relax the mind, body and soul is at the beach. Staff from Community Affairs and Treasury departments went off to the beach last Friday to cool off their nerves, away from the stress of their workplace.
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07/07/2002 7S TO MANCHESTER AT A PRICE
Niues's 7-a-side squad is still struggling to meet the cost of getting to compete at the Manchester Commonwealth Games. Some of the local members of the squad have pulled out, members have to dig deeper into their own pockets to meet some of the costs, especially overseas based members. There is no doubt, this is an enormous and rare opportunity to promote Niue as a tourist destination. The promotion this opportunity will make for Niue is far far greater, compared to that of sending a salesman to a travel fair in Germany with a suitcase full of glossy brochures. It is not acceptable for our 7s squad to be burdened with the cost of promoting Niue. Niue's tourism will benefit more from their(7s squad) participation, rather then the sport they play. The marketing budget of the Niue Tourism should donate funds to help our 7s squad.
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02/07/2002 BLACK BART IN TROUBLE WATERS
The New Zealand Herald this morning published a short story on the plight of the Philipine sailors, the crew of the Black Bart ship. The ship used to be known as NGamaru III operated under the bankrupt Cook Islands National Line, before it was renamed as "Black Bart". The same ship use to provide the only shipping service to Niue before. Black Bart is now under a different management. CLICK HERE NOW FOR FULL STORYnbn
01/07/2002 PHONES THAT WERE NOT PHONES
The new government of Premier Vivian have finally settle into their new jobs, but there is some very urgent problems that need the urgent attention and reaction of the Premier and his Cabinet. Premier Vivian need to fix the ailing cellular phone system introduced to the outer villages by his sparing partner Terry Coe MP, when Coe was the Minister for Telecommunication.
The failing cellular network have produced false promises and have continue to rip off consumers in the outer villages. It is possible that whenever somebody want to make a call, there is a 50 percent chance that a call cannot be connected due some technical problems. But even if the call can be made, sometimes the call just automatically cut off. Consumers were force to pay, for a service that is not fully functional at all the times.
It is now over 5 years since Telecom Niue opted to use the cellular system instead of the traditional copper wires, and it is about time a solution be identified for solving the telephone system in the outer villages. A decision should now be made to scrap the cellular phone system and replace it with a system that is guaranteed to work. It is also very important for national developments that communications to outer villages should be improved. The Government is trying to attract overseas investors, communication for the whole of Niue must improve. No investors will be interested in investing in Niue if it find that about 90percent of the country cannot guarantee a fully functional communication system that can handle phone calls, fax and internet link.
Telecom Niue have also demonstrate its inability to meet the communication needs of Niue and village councils should now make plans on how to improve their telephone systems for their communities. The specific cellular system currently in used is becoming an absolete technology as it cannot be upgraded. Village councils must address this problem by asking funding agencies to identify and fund a phone system that is appropriate to the current and future needs of their consumers. If village councils is capable to become providers of telecommunication services, there may be a need for the Government to amend the appropriate legislation, removing the monopoly from Telecom Niue. This will make way for a competition in the market, at the present Telecom Niue is not worrying about improving its services because there is no other competitor in the market.
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25/06/2002 NIUE ECONOMIC SUMMIT
The Government of Niue organised Niue Economic Summit, was held last week at the Niue Hotel. The Summit was attended by senior public servants and legislators, providing opportunities for all the participants to formulate and prioritise Niue's economic policies. Minister for Economic Development Hon Sani Elia Lakatani said that this is a very important process for the Government to find out what Niue need. Hon Lakatani also said that from the Summit, Niue's three major economic priorities are, first improving direct airline services to New Zealand, second is providing income generating activities such as employment opportunities and third is Information Technology.
It is now nearly 2 months after Premier Vivian's Government was voted into power, and they only have 2 years and 10 months remaining to prove their worth of holding on to power and receiving the highest salaries on the land. While Premier Vivian will also be racing against time to make a mark in Niue history that his era will be different from his predecessors, NBN will provide a date on the mouse icon on this site to help everyone plan.
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15/06/2002 THE WORLD IS READING NBN
NBN started off small mainly to provide an alternative news channel on the Internet, at a time when other news channels were either failing to provide news accurately, too biased or not covering other important issues of Niue. Issues that are too important to ignore, such as the declining population, failing policies, exploitation and many more. So after three months NBN is still here, and is read by the world, so far NBN is read by visitors from New Zealand, Niue, US Commercial, Networks, US Educational, Fiji, Philipines, Italy, Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Netherlands, India, Poland, Austria, International, United Kingdom, Hungary, Singapore, Belgium, Finland, Malaysia, South Africa, Denmark, Spain, Hong Kong and Norway. NBN is proud to play a major role in telling the World about what is happening around the Niue communities.
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15/06/2002 RETIRED ON NIUE
The New Zealand Herald on Friday 14 June 2002 published a story about a plan by a New Zealand based company Golden Aged Pacific, to renovate some of the empty houses on Niue and rent them out to some retired citizens from New Zealand. Rent is set to start at $295 per week.
CLICK HERE NOW FOR FULL STORYnbn
09/06/2002 OFF SHORE BANKING LAW REPEALED
The Niue Legislative Assembly have finally repealed the Niue legislation which authorised the issuing of banking licenses. The successful repealed occured at the last sitting of the Niue Legislative Assembly as reported by Associate Minister MP Michael Jackson in his report filed for Radio Pekapeka last week. The earlier attempt by Niue to repeal the legislation in March was stopped after a current bank license holder threat to sue the Government of Niue. The repealing of the Niue offshore banking legislation will lead to Niue's name removed from OECD's so called "black list" of nations. The list classified national jurisdictions who are less co-operative in meeting international demands to reduce harmful tax competition. Niue now expect to receive thousands if not millions and millions of promised overseas aid.
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07/06/2002 JEANNE POCKEL'S PICTURES OF NIUE
Follow this link to look at another view of Niue,
CLICK HERE NOW.
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06/06/2002 ULUVEHI MARINE DAY REPORT
The Marine Day held in Uluvehi, organised by the Mutalau Village Council was a great success as reported by those who were there. The sea was calm and plenty of fish and "stone fish" or shell fish catched by keen fishermen and fisher-women both young and old from around Niue. It was an early rise for everyone having to be at Uluvehi at 4.00am, by 12.00 noon it was time to weight the catch of the day. Those who fish from the canoes also catch a lot of those delicious deep sea fish, always colourful red yellow blue and so forth. Some fishermen also fish fom the cliffs into the open sea, Niue have no lagoon, they use the modern casting rods and reels. This is the report in Niuean from Fou Talagi, posted to the Niue Global Community.
Ko e aho futiika i Mutalau ine afi to taha e fiafia. Kamata e
feua takafaga he matahola 4 he pogipogi moe fuafua e tau mamafa he tau
ika/ika patuo he 12 he tupou la. Maha e tahi nakai loka ke fakatatai atu kehe tau kua mole. Ti loga foki e tau ika ne takafaga he tofia moe uluulu. Puke e tau oa he tau tagata o he tau vaka ki moana pihia ni a lautolu ne hi he tau afati. Lalahi foki moe kehekehe e tau lanu he tau ika ne moua. Kua fakaaoga e tau akau hi papalagi pihia ni mo e tau akau Niue.nbn
31/05/2002 HOORAY LET US CELEBRATE
The Mutalau Village Council and the people of Mutalau put on a big fiafia last Saturday to celebrate the acheivement of their Ekepule Hon Bill Vakaafi Motufoou for winning a Cabinet seat in Hon Premier Young Vivian's Government. It was a celebration in a true Mutalau style held at Salim Hall, with most MPs invited. The following is reported by the Deputy Chairperson of the Mutalau Village Council Mr Joseph Mahakitau.
Holo mitaki e tau fiafia he aho Faiumu moe mamiti mitaki e tau valavai mamali he totolo hifo he tino. Tolu e pig ne mate mae aho, 2 he matua ekepule/ikipule, 1 ha VC. Haia oti e tau lilifu he motu he aho ia except for Veve, Nuki, Terry, Sani , Joker, Fisa and Toutu.nbn
31/05/2002 NIUEANS NOT IN RADIO NETWORK
Niueans in New Zealand are finding it hard to accept, that no Niuean was selected into the governing board of the newly established Pacific Radio Network in New Zealand. The new network is a brainchild of the Labour Government injecting NZD$7 million to set up and run the radio service during the next 4 years. Niue community leaders in Auckland said that this is unfair as the new network is supposed to have full representation from all the Pacific communities in Auckland. NBN also heard that there were qualified Niueans nominated, but they were not included when the New Zealand Minister for Broadcasting Marian Hobbs anounced the members of the board for the new radio network. Mrs Luisa Lavakula, a Niue community advocate and also a member of the Otara Community Board commented on Radio 531PI last Monday that Niueans need to have more experience and skills in order to be selected into similar boards by Government. She also echoed that affiliation and playing some active role in the Government of the day, for instance Labour, may also help as well. Some Niue community leaders are calling for a protest and demand an explanation, but others tend to focus on a long term plan encouraging Niueans to wake up, get up and play some active role in political parties with an aim of having a Niuean MP in parliament. This can only be archieved if Niueans in New Zealand co-operate and attend various meetings at various levels of government, which is lacking at the moment.
nbn
31/05/2002 MARINE DAY ON MODAY 3 JUNE
Uluvehi is the best place to visit on Monday 3 June and celebrate the Queen's Birthday. Take your family, your dog and money and join the people of Mutalau in celebrating the Queen's Birthday. Activities includes reef fishing, BBQ and food stalls will also be available.
nbn
28/05/2002 NIUE BUSINESS CONTACTS
NBN is now guaranteed to be viewed by more than one thousand internet visitors in three months. This is also a huge opportunity to market Niue businesses overseas according to NBN business intelligence. NBN will launch next week an additional service call "Niue Business Contacts" where a saparate page will be used to list information and contact details of each business. So NBN is now offering one week for FREE an opportunity for Niue businesses to have their business listed on Niue Business Contacts for one year. This offer closes on 6 June, press the following link to register your business.
nbn
29/05/2002 NIUE LAND COURT MATTERS
Posted at Radio Pekapeka on May 28, 2002 at 16:10:53 by Niue Consulate Office
The public are herby notified that Chief Justice Norman Smith will be arriving on Niue on fri 7th June 2002 and leaving monday 17th of June 2002. All matters before his Honour will be heard from 7th June to 17th June 2002.
For enquiries as to the Chief justice sittings please contact the Justice dept, Tufukia,Alofi,Niue- Ph. (683) 4128 or fax (683) 4231
FAKAILOAAGA KE HE TAU TAGATA OTI
Hanei kua fakailoa atu ke he tau tagata oti kua amaamanaki e iki fakafili lahi ha Niue ko Norman smith ke hoko mai ki Niue ke he aho falaile aho 7 ia Iuni 2002 mo e amaamanaki ke liu he aho 17 ia Iuni 2002.
Koe tau fekau oti ne kua tuku ki mua he iki Fakafili to fakanogonogo ki ai e iki Fakafili kamata mai he aho Falaile aho 7 ia Iuni 2002 ke fakaoti mai he aho Gofua 17 ia Iuni 2002.
nbn
28/05/2002 NBN: THE ONLY ONE
NBN is now the only Internet news service dedicated on Niue that is still surviving, and is continuing to grow stronger. First launch in February with 27 unique hits, increased in March to 333 hits, April 467, and May is currently on 628. If you have news, please feel free to send it to NBN on komutas1@xtra.co.nz. NBN is sometimes slow like a turtle to be updated, due to other heavy commitments on our other services such as NGC, NYC, NRU and Cyber Muta. Despite this we will still update our news on NBN. NBN is now Niue's news leader on the Internet, following the unfortunate disappearance of Niue's other news services from the "radar" screens.
nbn
28/05/2002 MOTUMAKA MOVING FOWARD
It was raining and windy last Saturday night in Auckland, but that didn't weaken the supporters of Motumaka as they dance and enjoy themselves at the Motu Maka Social held at the St George Tavern in Papatoetoe. The leaders of the group Mrs Nofo Vaha and Mrs Malama Nilau said they are very pleased with everyone turning up to support the group, and is calling on other members of the community, to join Motumaka and help "paddle" together Motu Maka's canoe. Motu Maka is a community based group with a focus on addressing some of the issues facing Niuean and Pacific Island communities in Auckland. During the past few months, Motu Maka was very active in organising trainings for some Niuean drivers to get driving licenses. Motu Maka would like to thank everyone for turning up to support their social.
nbn
23/05/2002 NIUE: FAKALOFA ATU!
There are many websites on the Internet promoting Niue's tourism, and from time to time, NBN searches the web and evaluate some of these sites. The most important criteria used in these evaluations is whether the overall appearance and the colour combinations of the sites really reflect the types of tourism products and services Niue have to offer. The site that is currently receiving NBN's BEST AWARD is designed and maintained by the Tourism Council of the South Pacific in Suva Fiji. CLICK HERE to link you to that site, NIUE: FAKALOFA ATU!. Please tell us also of what you think about our choice by entering your comments into the NBN NOTICE BOARD - CLICK HERE NOW. Feel free to sent us a link of any other site, related to Niue's tourism, that you think deserve to be evaluated.
nbn
23/05/2002 RADIO PEKAPEKA ON PLANET 104.6 FM
The Radio Pekapeka one hour slot Niue programme broadcast weekly every Wednesday from 6.35pm. Radio Pekapeka broadcast on Radio Planet FM in Auckland, tune in on 104.6 on the FM band of your radio. The Radio Pekapeka programme covers evening prayer, news about Niueans, community notices, birthday dedication and a live news report from Niue by Radio Pekapeka Niue Reporter Puakina Togiaono. If you have news and notices just give them a ring on (09)307 5810 or 302 0238, fax them on (09)302 0237, e-mail pekapeka@mail.nu or link to the Pekapeka CLICK HEREweb page to leave a message on their online message board or link also to the Radio Planet FM CLICK HEREweb page for further information, you can also send a snail mail directly to Radio Pekapeka by using the postal address of Radio Planet FM.
Radio Pekapeka is a community based effort run by a non-profit organisation call Niue Community Media Trust[NCMT]. The trust through its own fundraising and contributions from its volunteers and supporters help pay for the radio air time, cost about NZD$180 per month. The Niue Community Media Trust welcome any form of support, moral or financial that will help keep Radio Pekapeka alive and live on air, please contact them for further details. The directors of the Niue Community Media Trust are Mrs Ena Polima, Pastor Eddie Pilisi, Mr Pita Polima, Mr Kenn Makaola and Mr Frank Sioneholo, the same are the anouncers while Kenn Makaola is on the panel as the sound mixing engineer. Radio Pekapeka's main goal is to bring to the Niue communities in Auckland accurate and regular information on edcuation, health, safety and other important issues. NBN wish Radio Pekapeka all the best for the future.
nbn
19/05/2002 IF YOU GOT THE VOICE, THE LOOK AND RIGHT ATTITUDE
Then you must ring this Auckland number (09)263 9320 during working hours and leave your name and phone number. Mr Philip Fuemana, who is part Niuean and part Maori, who descended from the village of Mutalau,is the director of the Urban Pacifika record label and is working on a music project. He is putting together a R n B hip hop singing group to produce hits in Niuean aimed at the international market. Philip is also doing similar works for Samoans, Cook Islands and Tongans, and have already tested the idea with a Maori group with a hit in Maori selling about 20,000 units. Philip is a brother of the famous Pauly Fuemana, famous internationally for his hit HOW BIZZARE, Pauly is now retired but still collecting money from his music, the last NBN heard about Pauly was last year when he use to buy lots of the DVD movies from a shop in Penrose - Pauly's cousin in Sydney signed Urban Pacifika's online guestbook asking Pauly to "to get his pokoete out of the couch and release another "hit" but thats another story. Unfortunately NBN could not locate the hyberlink to Urban Pacifika, all the links from the search engines were pointing to nowhere land. Please bear in mind that when you call to leave your name and number, you may be asked to come to an audition so start testing your vocal chords NOW!! Important criteria also is you must be able to sing in Niuean apart from being a Niuean. The branding of the music product or CD cover must match that of Destiny Child, Philip said this is important in order to attract the attention of the consumer.
The above information about the Urban Pacifika project is source from Philip Fuemana's live interview on Radio 531Pi around 10.00pm on Saturday 18 May 2002.
nbn
18/05/2002 CONGRATULATION FAPOI
In today's business world, re-skilling is always an option if one is prepared to make heavy commitments, and work really really hard. That is the path Mr Fapoi Akesi from the village of Hakupu took in 1999, having to leave his family back home and conquer the cold weather of Auckland, and study at the Manukau Institute of Technology. But yesterday it was celebration day for Akesi and his family when he graduated with a Diploma in Business Management. Akesi have returned to Niue last year, and is now working at the Treasury Department in a position which is not very far from Mr Leo Tukuitonga who is the Financial Secretary and head of the deapartment. Re-skilling really makes a different for Akesi and his future. NBN wish Akesi all the best for the future.
nbn
15/05/2002 USE THIS NOTICE BOARD
NBN have setup a notice board which can be used by anyone for business notices. The NBN NOTICE BOARD can be accessed by CLICKING HERE. NBN will continue to explore other forms of internet based tools useful for the use of various businesses, so keep on watching this space. This is the place if you are looking for a place to stay in Niue, sell your pig or looking for a business opportunity in Niue, all you have to do is to leave you notice here.
nbn
13/05/2002 UNITED WE STAND
The official opening of the Niue Lesgislative Assembly for the eleventh time, gives the Ekepules a reminder to work together and co-operate for the betterment of Niue and its people. Speaker of the House Hon Atapana Siakimotu in his speech remind each MP of the tasks and roles the citizens of Niue expect them to perform. Ekepule for Liku Pokotoa Sipeli representing the village MPs also call for co-operation, and ask common roll MPs to show better behaviour. Common Roll MP Hunukitama Hunuki commented that Niue need to follow the system of party politics, that the premier would be known immediately on election day and not to go through the experience that they went through before the election of the Premier. Hon Premier Young Vivian's speech also endorse and support the need for co-operation amongs the 20 MPs in the House but also mention that time is needed to heal the wounds created during the past weeks. Premier Vivian also said that MPs should observe Niue's second bible, The Niue Constitution. On a different note Minister for Finance Hon Toke Talagi also made a speech to reassure the citizens of Niue that Niue is not running out of money.
nbn
13/05/2002 NIUE TOURISM GOT A NEW DIRECTOR
The Niue Tourism Office got a new director, she is Mrs Ida Talagi Hekesi from the village of Alofi South. Ida was previously working at the Information Centre of the Niue Tourism Office. The post of the director of the Niue Tourism Office was previously held by Mrs Lofa Rex, who is now running her own business Island Hopper Vacations. The change of personnel at the top of the Niue Tourism hiearchy came at the time which is very crucial to Niue's tourism industry, of very low tourist numbers due to the airline problems. NBN wish Ida all the best for the future.
nbn
11/05/2002 ROYAL TONGA PROVIDE ONLY AIR ROUTE TO NIUE
The Royal Tongan Airline is the only airline that provide commercial flights to Niue. Royal Tonga fly to Niue twice a week, one flight on Tuesday which is Monday in Niue, and another flight on Saturday which is Friday in Niue. The cost per passenger is $380 Tongan pa'anga one way. There is also now a midweek flight from Tonga to Niue that is connected with an Air New Zealand flight from Auckland. Please CLICK HERE to link to the flight schedules and further information.
nbn
10/05/2002 MARINE DAY AT ULUVEHI ON MONDAY 3 JUNE
The Mutalau Village Council(MVC) will again have their Marine Day at Uluvehi on Monday 3 June 2002. This is the second year MVC organised the event, following the success of the Marine Day last year. Hon Bill Vakaafi Motufoou, Ekepule for Mutalau and newly appointed Cabinet Minister, said that the day is mainly to practice traditional sea hunting and food gathering methods. Last year many friends and families were up at Uluvehi fishing from the reef, and collecting shelfish of many varieties like alili, fofouli and ugako. The other supporting activities of the day includes the "barbies"(BBQ), umu kai and stalls at the Uluvehi recreation area. The Uluvehi recreation area is an entertaintment park, set at the Uluvehi cliff top beautifully decorated with coconut trees, toilet and shower facilities are available including parking areas. There is also a party house equibbed with a 20 year old freezer, which is still going strong, good for cooling those cans of drinks. Power is also available for lights and electrical appliances such as stereos. This is an event not to be missed, and the Mutalau Vilage Council invites everyone to join the fun. Don't be shy if you cannot fish, others will teach you to fish. There will also be plates of food for sale.
nbn
09/05/2002 11TH FONO EKEPULE OFFICIALLY OPEN
This morning at 9 o'clock the Niue Legislative Assembly at the Fale Fono will officially open for the eleventh time since Niue became a self-government state in 1974. MPs are expected to deliver their first speeches. The new Speaker of the House Mr Atapana Siakimotu from Avatele will be in control of the show, interesting to see how he will operate in trying to keep some orders in the House. It should be an easy job for Mr Siakimotu after all the 20 in the House are all matured people who have common sense. But there always seems to be a few who cannot accept and understand the challenges and realities of politics in Niue.
nbn
09/05/2002 LAWYER JUSTIN KAMUPALA PERSONAL SECRETARY TO HON PREMIER VIVIAN
On Monday this week Niuean lawyer Justin Kamupala from the village of Avatele is appointed as personal secretary for Hon Premier Young Vivian. Mr Kamupala was previously working at the Attorney General's Office in Alofi. Congratulation Justin, NBN wish you all the best for the future.
nbn
09/05/2002 TIME FOR KIT KAT
There is a travel story on Niue in the New Zealand Herald on Monday this week, titled "Natural Break on Niue". This is about a tour package in which ecologist Karen Kool will lead a team of tourists to the Rock of Polynesia for a 7 days tour. The tour wil leave from Auckland on August 5, cost $3460 per person. Contact: Karen Kool on freephone 0800 157 259 fax (04) 233 0260 kmkool@actrix.gen.nz.NZ Herald Artile: Natural Break on Niue CLICK HERE.
nbn
07/05/2002 CABINET PORTFOLIOS
Following the appointments of Cabinet Ministers, Hon Premier Young Vivian have allocated each minister with portfolios and responsibilities.
Premier Hon M Y Vivian:
Premier's and Cabinet
External Affairs & InternationalRelations and Aid Coordination
Niue Public Service Commission
Crown Law Office
Community Affairs, Arts and Culture, Village Councils
Population Development and Niueans Abroad
Religious Affairs
Womens Affairs, Youth and Sport
Private Sector Development
Hon Sani E L Lakatani
International Bussiness Company
Planning & Economic Development and Statistics(PEDs)
Niue Development Bank
Posts, Telecommunications & ICT Development
Philatelicc Bureau & Numismatics
Shipping, Investment and Trade
Civil Aviation
Police, Immigration & Disaster Management
Hon Toke Talagi
Education & Language Development
Health Service
Environment and Biodiversity
Meteorological Services and Climate Change
Justice, Lands & Survey and Prison
Finance, Customs and Revenue
Niue Tourism
Hon Bill Vakaafi Motufoou
Adminstrative & Human Resources Development & Training
Public Works, Water, Civil Constructions
Niue Power & Energy
Bulk Fuel
Port Services
Niue Broadcasting Coporation
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
nbn
05/05/2002 BUY NIUE TARO NOW!!
There is a fresh consignment of Niue taro which have just landed in Auckland.
Please hurry as there are limited stock of the popular Niue taro variety, available
only from the South Markets at 731-737 Gt South Road, Otahuhu, Auckland. Price of only
NZD$46 per bag. Further details contact ph(09)275 7455 or mob 021 127 1699. Switch to
cooking Niue taros this week, do not burn your pot cooking potatoes.
nbn
05/05/2002 LAKATANI, TALAGI AND VAKAAFI IN CABINET
Hon Premier Young Vivian have already anounced his Cabinet on Friday. They are Common
Roll MPs Hon Sani Lakatani and Hon Toke Talagi both from Alofi South, and Legislative
Assembly Member for Mutalau Hon Bill Vakaafi Motufoou. Full details and profiles of
each member will be posted here later. NBN wish the new Ministers all the best for
the future.nbn
02/05/2002 PREMIER
VIVIAN'S PRIORITIES
Hon Premier Young Vivian as reported today by the New Zealand Herald(NZH), commented
that his top priorities are good governance, transparency and accountability. Premier
Vivian further said that these priorities are very crucial for one of Niue current
problems, facing up to the demands of the OECD on the tax haven issues. Premier Vivian
also shared his views on the divisions cause by the elections within the communities in
Niue, and feel for those deeply affected by it, and would like to allow things to calm
down. The NZH story also mention of former Premier Sani Lakatani's likelyhood of being
in Premier Vivian's Cabinet as Deputy Premier. While these are only speculations, the
other potential Cabinet member is Toke Talagi. Premier Vivian is likely to anounce
his Cabinet by Sunday.nbn
02/05/2002 CONGRATULATION HON PREMIER YOUNG VIVIAN
Hon Premier Young Vivian is now elected to lead Niue for the next three years,
defeating his opponent Hunukitama Hunuki by a great margin of 8 votes, Viviani
scored 14 and Hunuki 6. As NBN predicted earlier there might be a surprise move
to confuse the process by a nomination of someone who is outside of the race.
Once again congratulation to Hon Premier Young Vivian, NBN will look foward to
report on who will be the other members of his Cabinet. However the situation
is still confuse also at this stage as the NPP and the independent Ekepules are
now on one side of the fence.nbn
02/05/2002
CONGRATULATION NEW SPEAKER ATAPANA SIAKIMOTU
In with the new, out with the old as the proper slogan to describe today's events in
the Fale Fono. Mr Atapana Siakimotu, who was the former Niue Consular General and
Trade Commissioner in Auckland, was elected Speaker of the Niue Legislative Assembly
by the Ekepules by a vote of 11 to 9, defeating Tama Posimani who was speaker for the
past 3 years. Mr Atapana Siakimotu came seventh in the election for the 6 common roll
seats on 20 April, just missing out a few metres from the sixth place getter O'love
Tauveve Jacobsen.nbn
02/05/2002 THREE
CANDIDATES RACES FOR THE TOP JOB
Today, Niue's Premier will be elected. The Niue corridors of power at the Fale
Fono(Parliament House)will today be filled with supporters of the MPs, as everyone
join to witness one of the very important event in Niue's history. There are three
candidates vying for the job of Premier of Niue, as reported last night by Radio
Pekapeka(RP) Reporter Puakina Togiaono. They are Mr Young Viviani Ekepule for
Hakupu, the current caretaker Premier Hon Sani Lakatani Common Roll member living
in Alofi South, and Mr Toke Talagi from Alofi South who is also the top polling MP
during the last election.
At this stage there is no real clear indication on who is ahead of the rest, which
is typical of Niue politics. The RP Reporter Puakina Togiaono also said that individual
MPs are keeping their plans secret and most says that their decision on who they will
vote for will only be revealed today at the first sitting of the House. Hon Premier Sani
Lakatani's leadership is now been challenge by his own colleague and friend from within
the NPP ranks, Mr Young Viviani, splitting the traditional support from within the
party. This scenario may give Mr Toke Talagi an edge in the race. But according to the
past experience, there is always a surprise that can occur at the split of a second when
nominations are called by the Speaker with a new name nominated or a withdrawal of one
name, confusing the Ekepules. This will force them, to make immediate consideration and
change to their choice of who to elect - it will be hard having to do this within 3
minutes, and confusing as well. Hon Premier Lakatani is also very clever in manouvering
and lobbying for support and it will not be a surprise if he return as Premier.
The hint will always be show at the election of the Speaker of the House because
that is always the first to happen. However in the voting procedure, if there is a
majority support for a secret ballot instead of the common raise of the right hands,
then it will be a secret on who is Niue's next Premier until the vote is counted. NBN
wish all the candidates all the best! Once this is over, it will be party time!!nbn
30/04/2002 OUR PREMIER,
NIUE'S FUTURE IS IN YOUR HANDS
This is a follow-up on our previous article about our past leaders, our Premiers. There
is no doubt that the wake-up call for our leaders to perform is getting louder and
louder, and have become a necessity for the long term survival of Niue as a nation.
It have now become very clear also that Niueans must ask ourselves, ask our leaders,
and for our leaders to ask themselves very seriously on what we have done wrong, how
we can improve and what else we can do - simple. However Niue's custom of fakalilifu
(respect) tend to prevail at most of the times, insulating those in power from being
question.
This week, on Wednesday morning(Niue time), our 20 Ekepules(members of the Niue Legislative
Assembly) will meet for the first time following the election. At the same sitting, the
Premier of Niue will be elected, whoever is going to be elected is expected to play a
major role in changing the course in which Niue is heading.
CHANGE OF APPROACH
The change of approach may rely on a mix of old and new styles of politics. The old style with
consultants of various types and sizes, lining up at the Fale Fono with their glossy
reports may also have to change. There seems to be a considerable amount of delays
cause by this old and colonial way of doing things. This involves a consultant following
a terms of reference and report back with recommendations, sometimes some of these
recommendations will be useless and cannot be implemented. This happen to McFarlane's airline study,
the Government of Niue waited for a long time, only to be told what everyone already knows. The Government
may have to try out something new and refine it to ensure it is getting things moving. This may reduce the time
it will take to move an idea from the drawing board to the field for implementation. Consultants
will no longer be asked to make recommendations at most of the times. They will be asked to
work on developing an idea and identifying the options that best suits Niue's needs and aspirations.
Heads of departments may also have to play a major role in this approach.
The rest will be clear communication and concerted team effort to make proper use of
knowledge management for the benefit of the Government and the people of Niue.nbn
ADDITIONAL interactive functions are already available on our sites which includes, FEEDBACK to send your comments directly to the NBN Team. GUESTBOOK sign or view your guestbook, PASS-IT-ON you can pass on the address of NBN to your friends and families so they can also read nbn. EVENTS you can promote your events here. LINKS add your links here. POLLS vote on issues.
28/04/2002 TEAM TOUCAN IN NIUE
It is interesting to find in cyberspace photos from Team Toucan following their visit to Niue. The pictures selected may hold clues of what tourists find interesting in Niue.
nbn
27/04/2002 NEW PREMIER MUST PERFORM
The election of the Premier of Niue is re-scheduled to Wednesday next week. This will
provide more breathing space for the pack of 20 to select from their many a leader.
But one may ask, what types of leader Niue need at this stage, no one may have a perfect
answer to this.
Niue is now well known to the world media as a failing nation, caused by the
failures of public policies, leading to an ongoing decline of the population. These
failures have also cause a "multiplier" sort of effects on many things in Niue, the closing
down of primary schools, reduction of the public service and many more.
There are fingers pointing on Niueans for lacking a patriotic vision, which now result
with about twenty thousands Niueans living in New Zealand, with just about one and half
thousand as true patriots who remains in Niue. The blame should be placed on Niuean
leaders, our past premiers for failing to perform on the job, and this is the truth of
the Niue problem. Past premiers tend to act as they are performing ceremonial roles rather
then leaders being conferred with power and authority to produce good developments for all
on that isolated island call Niue. There is also a clear lack of dedication and commitment
by past premiers just to do the jobs they are suppose to be doing. So unless Niue find a
better leader this time, Niue history books will continue to fill up with stories about the
declining population, the failing public policies and so forth.
The past four premiers of Niue have clearly shown their styles of leadership and the
key developments each premier was able to produce for Niue. We will next feature stories about
the past premiers of Niue.
Sir Robert Rex tend to be more conservative, but was marred by bad loans from the
Development Fund Committee, now known as Niue Development Bank to son-in-law Gary
Cooper. Gary Cooper was operating a business Niue Products, producing canned
coconut cream, operating from the defunct Niue Development Board food factory in Fonuakula. Sir
Robert always want Niue to have a good name, owing money to nobody, but this deprived
Niue from opportunties to create and develop industries at the time where Niue still have a large
population of about 3000.
Young Viviani took over the reign for two months, the only premier with the shortest term,
just to keep the house in order following the passed away of Sir Robert. The election was
held in which Frank Lui was elected as Premier.
21/04/2002 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
REMAIN THE SAME
The election is now over with all the sitting members retaining their seats. Toke Talagi
top the polls in the Common Roll with O'love Jacobsen nearly miss the money train to the
Niue Legislative Assembly. The race to the top job of the Premier of Niue is now
on with Young Vivian and Toke Talagi is heard to be the top contenders. The
swearing in of members, and the election of the Premier and Speaker will be on this
Friday. Niue is may be going to have a new premier, but politics in Niue is
unpredictable, anything can happen. From this moment until Friday, the lobbying and
negotiation will be intensive.nbn
19/04/2002 WHAT'S IN THE
ELECTION FOR THE NATION
The campaigning policies of Niue's election candidates is dominated by a vote buying spree,
instead of a nation building strategy. Niue's priorities today is in both economic and
social developments. Hon Premier Sani Lakatani and his NPP fraternity focus more on social
developments with promises of increases to old people pension and grants to non-government
organisations [NGOs], especially to the youth, churches and sports. O'love Jacobsen still
got it wrong by discouraging grants to the youth, but the youth of today is a dying cause,
unless they are given substantial finance to run their programmes. So gone are the days
where the youth is used as a lip-service, where they are mention in the campaigns but is
non-existence in actual government policies. The airline issue is quite popular to most
candidates, but this is also quite a complex problem and requires more to be done than just
chartering a flight to link Auckland and Niue. Toke Talagi is in the airline industry and
will be able to implement a workable formula that will help solve Niue's airline problem.
Lofa Rex's Niueans First Policy is the best of economic policies focusing on employment and
investment with tax-free and subsidy incentives, including products creation and innovation.
From one perspective, talents and know-how is also a very important factor in the
ability of the candidate to be able to understand fully Niue's development needs. Maru Talagi
hold the highest qualification of a masters in political science and also have a wide experience
in both government and non-government matters.
Most of the policies involves spending public
money, and less policies on increasing public revenue. Then questions will be asked on how
money will be raised to finance these "public money spoiling" policies. The non-existence of sound
economic policies, gives a frightening message that taxes is very likely to be raised to help
fund the policies. This is simply collecting money from the people to fund government policies.
Whatever the outcome of the Saturday election, Niue awaits another opportunity of finding the right
talent to turbo-charge its drive to make Niue the best place for its people. NBN wish every candidate all the best in the Saturday election.
nbn
13/04/2002 TOURISM INDUSTRY ONLY
HOPE FOR THE BEST
The tourism industry in Niue is the main industry which have been given a lot of development attention
during the past twenty years. The Government with the assistance from donor organisations
like New Zealand have already injected more than $10 million into developing the tourism
industry in Niue, and today Niue is still littered with empty hotel\motel rooms. Those empty
rooms is a daily lost of an opportunity to generate revenue, with an average room
occupancy rate of say 60 percent this is a lost for Niue's economy
to earn about $5,000 per day. While the non-existence of direct airline
links to New Zealand has been blamed and will continue to be used as the main reason for
tourists not getting to Niue, it is also important to realise that these failures were caused
also by poor advise given by foreign consultants at the formulation and implementation of the Niue tourism
policies. So from one perspective one may wonder why Niue's aid donors, fund overseas consultants
who will only create more headaches for Niue's already problematic tourism industry. The debate on
Niue's tourism issues will be endless, but empty hotel rooms will remain empty,
especially now that McFarlane have finally told what everyone knows already - Air New Zealand will not
be flying to Niue. While the election is only 7 days away, it will be interesting how candidates
who have been campaigning on this issue will structure their formula for getting an airline
to fly from Auckland to Niue.nbn
09/04/2002 ELECTION POLICIES ANALYSIS
NBN will make and independent analysis of the policies of each candidate and party as
they prepare themselves for the coming general election. This analysis will not be
published until Thursday next week, the main reason being that supporters and some
candidate themselves have been screening Niue cyberspace, seeking ideas and clues to
help them formulate their policies. There is evidence at this stage of a slight
adjustment of election campaigning policies, made using various comments harvested
from Niue websites. It is also important to note that typical in the Niue politics,
that always less than 50 percent of the campaigning policities will become a reality.
Most of these campaigning policies are just mere promotional ploys for winning votes,
as some policies are impossible to implement mainly due to resource constraints.
NBN's analysis is to help voters understand the policies, and help voters makes
their decision on who to elect.nbn
03/04/2002 AGRICULTURE, NIUE'S BACKBONE
The Agriculture sector is the backbone of the Niue economy. Even before Toimata and Peniamina landed at Uluvehi in 1846,
preparing the path for christianity, our ancestors rely on food from the land as the main supply of food
to feed the population of Niue. The subsistence economy is very important to Niueans in the past and still important today.
While Niue use to export bananas and kumaras to New Zealand in the past, during the seventies passionfruit, copra, lime, honey and
handicrafts were Niue's main exports. Cyclone Ofa strike Niue in 1979 destroying most of the passionfruit
areas and lime trees. There was also a severe drought in 1983, with such difficult conditions the
passionfruit and lime industries never recovered. Today Niue's main exports are taros and green coconuts,
with vanilla slowly becoming a very important export as well.nbn
03/04/2002 TRIBUTE TO AIAO KAULIMA
NBN would like to pay tribute to Mr Aiao Kaulima, ko e toa, a community
leader of the Niueans in New Zealand who passed away peacefully on 21 March 2002. Mr Kaulima created strength
in the Niuean communities in New Zealand, and inspired the minds of his own people through his continued
dedication and hard work to serve the interests of his Niuean people. We wish to pass on our sincere condolences
and sympathy to his wife Ettie, children and the whole family. Aiao have also contributed in many ways to the
development of the businesses of Niueans and Pacific islanders in New Zealand, mainly through his advisory role
in many national and local government committees. Aiao is also a close relative of the Sioneholo Family, in which
part of the driving and dedicated effort behind NBN. Aiao's father Kaulima is from Mutalau, Ululauta Mata he
Fonua (Eye of the Land), the landing place of christianity in Niue. Aiao is a toa and he departed as a
toa, and remain as a toa in our minds.nbn
02/04/2002 NIUEANS IN NZ MUST IMPROVE
Education have long been regarded as one of the major ingredients required for acheiving
economic success. Businesses also require a highly skilled labour force, to create and provide
highly competitive products and services to the market. While Niueans in New Zealand live closer
to many educational institutions, they fall behind their Niue based cousins in terms of the
proportion of the population which hold formal qualifications like university degrees.
In simple terms, those in Niue are more qualified than Niueans in New Zealand, and
these are based on facts. The comparison was made in the demographic study conducted by
the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in 1999, based on data from censuses in
Niue and New Zealand. The proportion of the population in Niue which hold certificates
and diplomas is 14 percent compared to 8 percent for Niueans in New Zealand. For degrees, masters
and doctorate, Niue have 5 percent compared to just 1.6 percent for Niueans in New Zealand. The picture
portrayed here, is a loud call for Niueans in New Zealand to keep on encouraging and supporting the young
to pursue the path to higher education as the vision for the future. However there are also other factors
which contributed to the above, one is that those in Niue normally receives government scholarships
for their training, while Niueans in New Zealand often have to rely on paying for their own tertiary
education.nbn
01/04/2002 NIUE VIDEO FOR SALE
Videos of the 100 Years Celebrations held last year in Niue is now available, the videos were produced by the
Broadcasting Corporation of Niue. If you were not able to travel to Niue last year, this is your only chance
to experience the fun and the true fiafia spirit of the celebration. Watch the youth perform the cultural dances,
raft races, women fashion parade, flag raising ceremony and many more. Please contact Patrick in Auckland on 268
4103 if you want to buy a copy, better hurry as offer will close soon.(This offer is real, and should not be
considered as part of the April the Fool thing) nbn
30/03/2002 NIUEAN FILM-MAKERS WILL GET THERE
While the main stream media in New Zealand last week was focusing their attention on the
74th Academy Awards in Hollywood, a small team of dedicated Pacific Islands film makers
invited friends and colleagues to The Pacific Island Film Night, held at the Moving Image
Centre in Grey Lynn Auckland. The Pacific Island Film Night was curated by Niuean Craig
Fasi, who was very pleased with the turn out, and the support they received that night.
The short films screened includes Hibiscus, Door Slams, Dots Deaths by Stan Wolfgramm,
U'SO'S, My Bedroom, O Tamaiti, How to Cook a Taro, and Kauleka.
There was no film directed or produced by a Niuean, but there were many Niueans in the
audience who may become good film makers in the future. So keep your eyes on this space,
soon there may be a Pacific Island Academy Award, with films produced or directed by
Niueans.nbn
30/03/2002 CHANGE OF GUARD
The Niue Public Service Commission is now run by a newly appointed team, head by Mrs
Malua Jackson of Hakupu, the other two members are Togiavalu Pihigia of Tuapa, and Tau
Pasisi of Alofi South. The team is not totally new, Mr Pasisi was also a member of the
previous team headed by Mr Maru Talagi, whom the term have lapsed making way for the new
team to be appointed by Cabinet. The other member of the old team Tiva Toeono is now
the new director of the Education Department. Mr Maru Talagi, a University of Auckland
graduate holding a bachelor and master degrees in political science, who is also the
Director of the University of the South Pacific Niue Centre have already declare his
candidacy for a common roll seat in the coming General Election.
The tale of the tape for the new team is quite colourful. Mrs Malua Jackson is a
New Zealand qualified nurse, former matron of the Lord Liverpool Hospital, former
chairperson of the Hakupu Village Council and was a key member of the Moui Olaola
programme - a healthy focus strategy for all on Niue. Mr Togiavalu Pihigia is a
former director of the Administrative Services Department, he migrated to Australia
in 1995 and returned back last year where he work in the Economic Development and
Planning Unit, earlier this year he was appointed as the Personal Secretary to the
Premier of Niue, filling up the post vacated by Birtha Head. Mr Tau Pasisi is now
in his third term as a member of the Commission, he is a New Zealand qualified mechanic,
he was the former head of the mechanical division of the Public Works Department. Mr
Pasisi also own his own business, Tau's Hirepool.
Although the Niue Public service Commission deals mainly with matters relating to the
public service, they also make decisions which indirectly affect the private sector of Niue.
Some of the functions of the public service is to serve and provide assistance and
advise to the private sector. The other types of assistance which is very crucial is
the training and providing specialised skills to the workforce in the private sector.
The private sector do look forward to the continuous support and assistance towards
the development of businesses in Niue.nbn
29/03/2002 STILL A DREAM
Niue is still waiting, with high expectations for Air New Zealand to come to the
party, and put on that much needed direct air service between Auckland and Niue.
But at this very moment Air New Zealand is flying through a turbulence, struggling
and trying to stay airborne while it tries to find the route back to good profits -
the status the airline use to enjoy for a long time. It is now clear that Air
New Zealand have priority internal matters to take care off, and flying to Niue
is may be now in the back burner. However this does not diminish Niue's hope,
the New Zealand Government is now the major shareholder of Air New Zealand,
and a political decision can be made which will put Niue on one of Air NZ's route.
However it may also be difficult for the NZ Government to make such a decision,
because it want Air NZ to operate in a true commercial sense and survive on its
own without the need for a tax payer injection.
Niue may be wrong to think that flying to Niue is just a simple decision for Air NZ to
make. Niue must demonstrate that it have the means to sustain an Air NZ flight
on a commercial basis. The Niue tourism industry must have at least 60 incoming and
60 outgoing passengers traveling in order to make the direct Niue Auckland service
viable. This is may be impossible in the initial stages if the service even eventuates, unless a
major promotion strategy is put into place to kick start and re-launch travels to Niue.
It is very crucial that such a strategy must have a balance formula for stimulating
travels to Niue, which should include for instance a subsidized airfare of $699 and accommodation
discount of at least 40 percent, groups of 10 or more should be given an airfare of $650 per person.
The scheme should be allowed to run for at least a
year. Niue also need some outside investment to provide some flavour and more choices
of tourism products and services available on Niue. The Government of Niue
must put into place appropriate incentives to attract overseas investment.nbn
20/03/2002 ON YOUR MARKS GET SET......
The Niue Legislative Assembly is now dissolved, opening up opportunities not only to put some new faces
in the Niue Fale Fono, but also to give others a chance to participate in the highest
decision making forum of the land. While pre-election times will always be remembered by the various
types of campaigning tactics used by the candidates to win votes, one thing for sure is that
regardless how much free beer they pour or how many promises they make, it may not guarantee
that they are going to solve all or most of Niue's pressing problems. Niue need tourists to fill up
hotel rooms, a direct airline service to Auckland, jobs for the young people, markets for
produce and more importantly rebuild confidence amongs the people to help stop
the declining of the population. This is also an interesting time for most businesses to look back
at the past three years, and evaluate how much effort the Government have dedicated towards the
development of the private sector, and what is the level of success. There is a mix
level of success and failures, there were some good policies such as the special
funding made to help the taro exporting industry. However the Coral Air fiasco will
continue to haunt Premier Lakatani and his Government. It may be sad also to think that one
of the major factors contributing to these failures is may be the inability of the working arm of the
Government, the public service, to simply perform the functions it was supposed to be doing -
implementing Government policies more effectively and efficiently. The private sector
need some longer long term commitment from the Government and good and practical policies.
The people of Niue will always look foward to a tomorrow that is better than today. As Niue
march to the polls on election day, voters should stay true to Niue's cause and elect the best 20
MPs that have the talents, honesty and dedication, who will best serve for Niue's needs. Our best wishes to all the candidates entering
the 2002 General Election.
nbn For some reason we can only suggest the following resource, a full coverage of the
political events in Niue from 1998 to 1999. If you want to read it, copy and paste the URL to your browser.
URL http://muse.jhu.edu/demo/cp/12.1levine.html Polynesia in Review: Niue Issues and Events 1 July 1998 to 30 June 1999 by Stephen Levine
18/03/2002 INVESTMENT ON NIUE
Niue have long been promoted as a very attractive place for overseas investment.
Encouraging the flow of investment to Niue has been one of the main Government strategy
during the past ten years. Niue already have the basic infrastructure to support
businesses, which includes reliable electricity and telecommunication service, water supply
and roads. In addition the Internet and electronic mail services is also available. In the
coming months, nbn will make an in depth look into what are the specific areas with
good potentials for investment on Niue. For further information on the investment policies of
Niue, and other related information, please click the links below.
nbn Niue Investment Profile Niue Country Profile
12/03/2002 WOMEN DOMINATE NIUE'S
PRESENCE AT PASIFIKA FESTIVAL 2002
The Pasifika Festival 2002, held in Auckland last Saturday 9th March 2002, is the biggest
gathering of Pacific cultures in the world. While the event is an enormous show piece
of diversity in Pacific cultures, ranging from the selling of crafts, food, music and showing
our cultures and traditions, and even promoting issues priority to Pacific communities
in Auckland, issues such as unemployment, health and the wearing of safety belts when
driving. NBN was also there, not only to taste the aroma of Pacific diversity implanted
into the European society, but to see how well our Niue people fit into the events of
the day.
The Pasifika Festival offers great opportunities for Niue people to market their products
and services, as well as generating some hard cash. It can also be viewed as a measure
of Niue’s level of business calibre and entrepreneurship in Auckland. The Niue Village
have about 25 stalls, selling food, and mainly handicrafts of various women crafts groups
in Auckland. Most of the stalls in the Niue Village is run by women groups, there were
only two other stalls selling and promoting products of a different kind. Women tend to
play a dominant role when comes to fronting up to the market and mingle with the customers.
While men may be have little to play in this area, or perhaps they are not interested at all.
Taha Fasi and Associates and Motu Maka are the only other two types of service Niue
marketed at the Pasifika Festival. Both organisations provide various services such as
improving the skills of the Pacific Islands people to do business, and strengthening
leadership in community groups. These are supported through the Department of Labour
initiatives. The Fuata Niue Cultural Group also put up a performance of the Niue takalo, but
disappointed that the sound system was not set up properly to pickup and amplify all the
sounds of the performance. The part Niuean part Samoan from Mutalau, comedian Vela
Manusaute of the BROWNIES outfit
was also there to put a smile to a few faces. Che Fu was also on the programme to perform
live, but was never seen on stage. Grace was there too. It was a very successful day, with more than 120,000 people visiting the festival.
NBN look foward to the next festival in 2003 and report back. The Festival is sponsored by the
Pacific Business Trust. Chief organiser
for the Niue Village, Mata Smith said she is very pleased with the success of the day.
Digital images are overhere. nbn
10/03/2002 NIUE
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NEED PLANES
The Niue International Airport is a modern airport, equiped with all the modern facilities just
like any other airport in the world. These includes facilities for night landing, refuelling
and emergency, which enable Niue International Airport to meet the strict international standards.
In 1995, with the help of the New Zealand Government the runway of the Niue International Airport was
extended. The main reason for the extension is to increase Niue's chances of improving its airline
services, as previously the airport have no night landing facilities and the runway is short,
restricting the take off weights of air crafts. However, now Niue is only being service by a smaller
air craft of the Royal Tongan Airline, flying via Tonga. Niue have been trying its best to put into place
a direct air service between Niue and New Zealand, and last year a consultant was commissioned
to find a cheaper and practical solution to this long term problem. At this stage no solution found yet
for this problem. Niue urgently need a direct air service to New Zealand, which is very important for
Niue's tourism industry.
During the past 30 years, relying on other airlines to provide an air service for Niue is not
always easy. Whenever an airline face problems, problems which is beyond Niue's control, it always ended up
with Niue facing a crisis of no air service. The effects this cause on tourism is very costly, because marketing
plans have to be stopped. The only long term solution to Niue's air service needs is for Niue to have its own
airline. But in order for this airline venture to be sustainable, Niue must spend a considerable amount of time
and resources on developing activities that will increase the demand for airline seats. There should also be more
promotional programmes targetting Niueans overseas. nbn
08/03/2002 FREE, BUT NOT REALLY FREE
The Internet Users Society in Niue (IUSN) lifetime slogan of "Niue the only country in the world which
have a free internet service", may not be true at all. First, apart from the reason that there are
other countries in the world which enjoys
free internet service, which have less or no hidden
or related cost. But like anywhere else in the world, free internet is not really free at all sometimes.
In order for any user in Niue to connect to the Internet, there are two major parties that
is required to provide connectivity solutions that will link the user to the Internet. IUSN
is the internet service provider (ISP)which runs a server which is linked to the Internet through
a company in New Zealand. Telecom Niue operates the local telephone network, which is used mainly
by users in Alofi to connect to the IUSN server. Telecom Niue charge 10 cents per 5 minutes of
internet and e-mail traffic passing through its exchange in Alofi. So it is not true that the
overall link to the Internet service in Niue is free, users still have to pay 10 cents per 5 minutes.
nbn05/03/2002 NZ DOLLLAR EXCHANGE RATES
WestpacTrust's current foreign exchange rates as at 9:53AM, 05 March 2002.
Please note: The exchange rates used are indicative only and subject to change
without notice.
Currency
sells
buys ch/tc
buys T/T
buys cash
United States Dollar
0.4202
0.4326
0.4309
0.4451
Australian Dollar
0.8108
0.8265
0.8232
0.8504
Euro
0.4839
0.4982
0.4953
0.5126
Fijian Dollar
0.9484
0.9873
0.9822
1.0264
Tongan Pa'aga
0.9135
0.9524
0.9461
1.0407
Other Currencies and Calculator Courtesy of Westpactrust04/03/2002 OECD TOLD TO CLEAN UP FIRST
Premier Sani Lakatani last week, told the OECD to clean up their house first before poking
their noses elsewhere. This is Niue's response to the ongoing pressures from the OECD,
to close down Niue's IBC operations, in order for Niue to be removed from the "black
list". The only other two Pacific neighbours having the courage to stand up against
OECD, are Vanuatu and Nauru. Some of the member countries of OECD such
as the US, also operate (international business companies)IBC regimes.
These IBC operations in the US are no different to that in Niue and other countries
operating IBCs, involving schemes of harmful tax competition. However in America
this is a legitimate business practice, for smaller players like Niue it
is called money laundering - and the OECD is in full force to wipe it out. However some
studies have now indicate that the actual money laundering practices are actually occuring in
high tax jurisdictions.
The IBCs are very important to Niue's budget, and most local businesses
on Niue rely heavily on the national budget for survival.nbn
Link to the articles below, on related stories.
Tax News: OECD Expresses Concerns Over Niue IBC Regime New Zealand Herald: Islands refuse to toe OECD line Freedom and Prosperity: Money Laundering CFP Study Indicates Laundering Prevalent in High-Tax Countries03/03/2002 VANILLA DOLLARS
The plant which was little known for a long time, but just grow wild in Niue is now becoming a cash crop for the Niue economy.
Vanilla beans usually provide flavours for ice creams and other uses in the cosmetic industry,
have a promising future for Niue. The vanilla variety in Niue offered a very high grade product
compared to the other varieties. The demand for the Niue vanilla is now high, and
and the private sector have already export the crop to New Zealand. The Niue Department of
Agiculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has been buying beans and helping growers for sometimes now.
At the moment there is a big increase in people interested in growing vanilla, which is crucial
for boosting supply to meet demand. But there may be a shortage of planting stock, and those
already in the industry have warned that apart from the hard work, vanilla plants will only start
to yield after two years.nbn01/03/2002 TARO AT $1.50
The Niue Growers Association now buys taro from growers at $1.50 per kilo for the fase variety, also known to the New Zealand market as the "pink taro".
Depending on the New Zealand market factors the Niue taros usually sells between $2.50 and $3.90 per kilo. The supply of Niue taros is now very low, due
to dry weather conditions last year. There was also a problem with the bulldozer, very few land plots were ploughed last year, especially in the northern side.
nbn28/02/2002 DOT NU UNDER MICROSCOPE
The dot NU internet domain name is currently being put under the public microscope of the Commission of Inquiry(COI). While
many issues will be addressed, one that is very important to Niue, is who actually owns the dot NU domain name. The domain
name is currently being administered by the Niue Internet Users Society, also known as IUSN. IUSN operate a free internet service
on Niue, with an average bandwidth of about 28k, Telecom Niue charge 10 cents per connection to the server. The Witness Statements
should be submitted to the Commission of Inquiry by 1 March 2002. Further information is available from the COI website.
nbn26/02/2002 NEW NEWS SERVICES FOR NIUEAN BUSINESSES
Welcome to the new web site for Niue Business News, we aim to provide accurate
news and information. Please feel free to discuss in the forum anything and
everything about businesses on Niue, and businesses of Niueans anywhere in the world. The link to the forum is here,
