History of

From the , it is clear that both Tongan and Samoan immigrants populated the island some 1,000 to1,500 years ago, although oral history names five original settlers. Also accounted for in oral histories are the introduction of the coconut, inter village rivalries, and contacts with other islands. The first patuiki (head chief) came to power about four hundred years ago.

Captain visited Niue in 1774, but the hostile reception he received led him to name the island Savage Island. Although whalers and called at Niue several times, it was not until 1846 that a man named Peniamina introduced Christianity on Niue. In 1849, he was joined by a Samoan named Paulo, who spread Christianity to all parts of the island, brought peace among the villages, and prepared the people to accept foreigners.

The British George Lawes arrived in 1861, ushering in the island’s transformation by introducing European clothing and goods, writing, and a money economy. Young Niueans gained contact with the outside world by contracting or being indentured to work abroad. Still, society’s governing structure remained largely intact, even when Niue asked the British Crown for protection from possible colonization by other Western powers. In 1901, the first colonial administrator arrived.

Change in the form of medical care, radio broadcasting, harbor facilities, and so forth came gradually over the next 50years. Then, in 1959 and 1960, two destructive cyclones led to an era of rapid change. The reconstruction effort required what was for Niue an enormous influx of materials, vehicles, and organizational support. At about the same time, global efforts to end colonialism led New Zealand to propose a timetable for Niue’s independence. Self-government was instituted in 1974.Sir Robert Rex became the premier and served until his death in 1992. He helped form Pacific regional organizations and came to personify his nation in the region.

Since independence, thousands of Niueans have emigrated to seek greater economic opportunities abroad. Far more Niueans now live in New Zealand than on Niue itself. Hoping to stem emigration and persuade foreign-born Niueans to repatriate, the government has sought to create jobs and diversify the economy through tourism and other industries.

References:

“Niue.” CultureGrams World Edition. 2008.

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