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Researcher. https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/our Mourned. 25 May. https://www _stories/trevor-howse-nicknamed-wekafor .waateanews.com/waateanews/x_story_id/ -prowess-uncovering-files-ngai-tahu-claim MTkxODI=/Keita-Walker-mourned -process/ [accessed 10 Aug 2018] [accessed 10 Aug 2018] Treacher, Aroha. 2018. Craggy Range ———. 2018b. Ngai Tahu Loses Gentle Demonstrators Make Way to Council Kaumatua Kukupa Tirikatene. 30 Jan. Steps. Māori Television, 22 May. http:// https://www.waateanews.com/ www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/ waateanews/x_story_id/MTgyODU craggy-range-demonstrators-make-way [accessed 10 Aug 2018] -council-steps [accessed 12 Aug 2018] Waitangi Tribunal. 2017. The Ngātiwai tvnz. 2018. Full Speech: Jacinda Ardern Mandate Inquiry Report, Wai 2561. Addresses Crowd from Waitangi’s Upper ­Wellington: Waitangi Tribunal. Marae. Video, 1 News, 4 Feb. https:// https://www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz/ www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/ publications-and-resources/waitangi full-speech-jacinda-ardern-addresses-crowd -tribunal-reports/ngatiwai-mandate -waitangis-upper-marae [accessed 30 July -inquiry/#H2561.p.cip [accessed 30 July 2018] 2018] United Nations Committee on the Elimina- ———. 2018. The Whakatōhea ­Mandate tion of Racial Discrimination. 2017. Con- Inquiry Report, Wai 2662. ­Wellington: cluding Observations on the Combined Waitangi Tribunal. https://forms.justice Twenty-First and Twenty-Second Periodic .govt.nz/search/Documents/WT/wt_DOC Reports of New Zealand, CERD/C/NZL/ _136641091/Whakatohea%20W.pdf CO/21-22. 22 Sept. https://tbinternet [accessed 30 July 2018] .ohchr.org/_layouts/treatybodyexternal/ Download.aspx?symbolno=CERD%2fC %2fNZL%2fCO%2f21-22&Lang=en [accessed 12 Aug 2018] Niue United Nations Economic and Social Council. 2018. Committee on Economic, Niue’s political scene has been marked Social and Cultural Rights: ­Concluding by several significant events and activi- Observations on the Fourth Periodic ties over the past year. Most notably, Review of New Zealand. E/C.12/NZL/ Niue Premier Sir Toke Talagi secured CO/4. 1 May. https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/ a fourth term in government follow- _layouts/treatybodyexternal/Download ing elections in May 2017, despite .aspx?symbolno=E%2fC.12%2fNZL coming in third in common roll polls %2fCO%2f4&Lang=en [accessed behind former member of Parliament 10 Aug 2018] (mp) and Niue High Commissioner to Waatea News. 2017a. Ngai Tahu Farewells New Zealand O’Love Tauveve Jacob- Consensus Leader. 18 Oct. https://www sen and long-serving common roll mp .waateanews.com/waateanews/x_story_id/ Terry Coe. MTc1Nzg= [accessed 10 Aug 2018] The postelection atmosphere ———. 2017b. Raukawa Steps Up to quietly echoed the determination of Protect Blue Springs. 16 Aug. https://www those who were looking for a change .waateanews.com/waateanews/x_story_id/ in government and working to chal- MTcwMjQ= [accessed 12 Aug 2018] lenge an administration whose politics ———. 2018a. Keita Whakato Walker were dominated by a generation of 212 the contemporary pacific • 31:1 (2019) career politicians. Other emerging the budget deficit. An increase in themes from Sir Toke Talagi’s govern- departure tax from nz$34 to nz$80 ment included reaffirming its posi- and increases in fuel prices and prices tion and preferences in regards to its for tobacco products are examples of free-­association relationship with New this (bcn, 4 July 2017). In his budget Zealand, capacity building and sus- statement for the 2018–2019 fiscal tainable resource management for the year, the premier made a statement island, an increase in activities related on working toward delivering a more to Niue’s international relationships, “fiscally prudent balanced budget” and questionable amendments to (Office of the Premier of Niue 2018b). legislation. However, economic opportunities in In August 2017, the legislative Niue for achieving self-sufficiency assembly passed a budget deficit and development going forward of nz$1.1million (nz$100,000 = remain stagnant, and we can there- us$65,227) for the fiscal year 2017– fore anticipate the types of controls, 2018 (Takelesi 2017). This shortfall adjustments, and changes that will be in the annual budget was met with implemented to achieve the premier’s great concern and many questioned goals. the government’s management of its In October, celebrations in honor finances in relation to its ability to of forty-three years of self-government achieve its objectives, projects, and were commemorated locally with for- election promises. In January 2014, eign dignitaries in attendance. Here, Niue’s Public Service was reduced to the premier emphasized the changes a four-day workweek, with public that Niue had experienced since 1974, servants continuing to be paid for and its wishes to work alongside New five full working days. However, this Zealand going forward, as opposed to scheme does not apply to some public the dominant-subservient or donor- servants, such as teachers. Public recipient relationship that the two servants had sought pay increases for have experienced at times (bcn, 24 a long time but were instead met with Oct 2017). The Niue Constitution Act this scheme, with decreased productiv- 1974 states that Niue is to be self-gov- ity within the public sector often cited erning, with the New Zealand govern- as a contributing factor to the deficit ment assisting in the management of in the government’s budget (rnz its external affairs and defense (Par- 2017). This is relatively concerning for liamentary Counsel Office 1988a)—a a small island nation whose budget relationship that should entail peaceful is predominantly made up of various and positive cooperation. Over time, sources of revenue from internal fees the budget support, aid, and develop- and tax measures and administrative ment assistance provided by the New assistance from New Zealand. Tax Zealand government has resulted in a increases throughout the 2017–2018 dominant-subservient type of relation- year were also met with mixed ship, and the premier criticized New reviews, with these increases often Zealand officials for their dominant cited by critics as being part of a plan behavior with respect to Niue’s inter- to generate more revenue to relieve nal affairs. political reviews • polynesia 213

In November 2017, the govern- in the Niue Constitution (see article ment was faced with its first vote of 22 [1]), in which assembly meetings no confidence since taking office, as are not held on a regular basis but are submitted by opposition mp Terry to be held once every six weeks, with Coe (bcn, 7 Nov 2017). The motion the Speaker, acting on request of the was put forward due to dissatisfaction premier, maintaining authority and with the government’s management the power to call each meeting (Parlia- of its finances, as well as the pre- mentary Counsel Office 1988c). mps’ mier’s notable absence from assembly opposition to the government’s use of meetings as a result of lengthy peri- the vote of no confidence to engage ods of time spent overseas due to ill with the government raises questions health. The premier’s absence during on the frequency of assembly meet- the assembly meetings in which the ings and the democratic nature of the motion was submitted and addressed, management of legislative affairs by along with one other minister who the premier and his cabinet. In a small was away overseas, meant that two island nation in which the notion of members assisting ministers (mams) party politics would not be viable, were given an acting ministerial role the intricacies of managing govern- to address the vote. In Niue, each of ment versus opposition politics can be the four cabinet ministers has an mp complex and, in this instance, there whose role is to assist them in their appears to have been limited engage- duties. In February 2018, a fourth ment with opposition members and mam was sworn in, increasing the perhaps the majority of members who number of people in the cabinet to are not directly part of the cabinet. eight (bcn, 5 Feb 2018). This therefore raises questions regard- In the Niue Assembly and in accor- ing the capacity that members in the dance with article 6(1)(b) of the Niue assembly have in keeping the premier Constitution Act 1974, “Any 4 or and his cabinet accountable, and what more members of the Assembly who the role and limitations of the consti- are not Ministers may give notice of tution are in this. their intention to move a vote of no Following the vote of no confi- confidence in the Cabinet” (Parlia- dence, an amendment to the Civil mentary Counsel Office 1988b). The List Act was heavily debated in the vote of no confidence was addressed assembly prior to being passed. This and defeated by a clear majority of amendment to the Civil List Act twelve votes against four (bcn, 14 saw increases in clothing allowances Nov 2017). The assembly engaged for mps. Payable once inducted, the in lengthy discussions on a variety of clothing allowance for the premier topics and, despite the unsuccessful has increased from nz$800 (2016) bid, mp Terry Coe highlighted that to nz$5000, for cabinet ministers this vote was a good opportunity and from nz$750 to nz$4000, and for another way for members to get their remaining mps, including the speaker, position across to the government, as from nz$500 to nz$4000 (bcn, well as members of the public. 3 Oct 2017). Questions were raised This identified a relatively grey area on whether it is a conflict of interest 214 the contemporary pacific • 31:1 (2019) for members to make and pass such New Zealand in October 2017, the changes, as unlike countries such as Niue premier met with the Deputy New Zealand, Niue has no indepen- Prime Minister Winston Peters in early dent body or review board for mps’ 2018 to reaffirm Niue’s bilateral ties salaries and allowances. Pursuant to and present the Niue government’s article 25 of the constitution, the Niue position on its free association rela- Public Service Commission, which is tionship with New Zealand (bcn, 1 Niue’s employment authority, makes March 2018). Discussions included recommendations to the ­assembly Niue’s preference for capital funds on the remuneration and other over the traditional monetary assis- entitlements of the premier, ministers, tance that New Zealand provides for Speaker, and other members (Parlia- local infrastructure and investment, as mentary Counsel Office 1988d). As well as avenues for revenue generation these are merely described as “recom- for Niue in the long-term to develop mendations,” it is not made clear in economic self-sufficiency and sustain- the constitution, or anywhere, who ability. has the final authority and decision In the same month, the New Zea- on such matters. This therefore raises land Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s further questions on how the entitle- Pacific Reset Tour, with her delegation ments of members of the assembly are of over fifty officials and guests, again measured and determined using vari- saw the premier echoing similar lines, ous factors, such as members’ duties reaffirming his wishes for a change and responsibilities and the appropri- in the Niue-New Zealand relation- ate remuneration for those within the ship and to substitute traditional aid public service. for investment (bcn, 6 March 2018). Niue’s politics were not without The premier also used this oppor- its moments, including one in which tunity to express Niue’s support for it received international media atten- its eligibility for the New Zealand tion following an altercation between Superannuation and its portability to a member and a cabinet minister after the realm countries, highlighting how an assembly meeting. mp Terry Coe New Zealand citizens living abroad in alleged that Minister for Ministry of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau Social Services Billy Talagi assaulted should be eligible for it and question- him following a heated debate inside ing why it is that those in the realm the debating chamber (bcn, 6 Feb countries are being treated differently. 2018). After initially denying these This highlights an area within Niue’s allegations, the minister was dis- constitution and its relationship with charged without conviction after New Zealand that warrants further pleading guilty to assaulting the mp. exploration and clarification: To This is a very rare occurrence within what extent does the free association Niue’s political scene, but it certainly relationship also extend the benefits gained media coverage locally and enjoyed by citizens living in New Zea- overseas (rnz 2018a; Fiji Sun 2018) land to include those citizens who are Following the swearing in of the living abroad in the realm countries? newly elected coalition government in The premier later announced Niue’s political reviews • polynesia 215 withdrawal of support for the Social mentally friendly and cost-effective Assistance (Residency Qualification) modes of transport. Legislation Bill, citing that it would While on the tour, Prime Minister encourage young people to leave the Ardern also honored women in Niue, island (rnz 2018b). Given the island’s highlighting that the Niue Assembly youthful population, the potential has the highest number of women mps passing of this bill will undoubtedly in any independent or self-governing increase long-term pressure on Niue’s country in the Pacific (bcn, 6 March local services by adding extra pres- 2018). sure to a health system that is already Over the past decade, Niue’s inter- struggling to cope with looking after national relations have grown. This the island’s older population. small island has managed to garner As a part of the Pacific Reset Tour, support in the form of economic and the New Zealand prime minister and development assistance from numer- her delegation pledged nz$750,000 ous big players. Visits by ambassadors toward improving the island’s road and high commissioners to New Zea- and water infrastructure, and a nz$5 land from various countries present- million boost was injected into a ing their credentials occurred quite project to help achieve Niue’s goal of often throughout the 2017–2018 year. ­having 80 percent renewable energy In September 2017, two consulate by 2025 (Ardern 2018). This injec- officials from the US Embassy in New tion of funds from New Zealand Zealand carried out a scoping visit to will increase the island’s capacity to Niue (bcn, 17 Sept 2017). With the develop solar farms in a bid to become aim of exploring development oppor- less reliant on fossil fuels. In addition tunities between the two countries, to this, the Niue government received this visit was certainly a display of a new electric vehicle, which the pre- greater commitment by the United mier has been trialing (bcn, 29 May States for increasing its support of and 2018). With the plan being to replace activities within the Pacific region. current vehicles used by cabinet Although Niue and the United States ministers and some departments with have no formal diplomatic relations, electric vehicles, Niue has certainly got a courtesy visit by US Ambassador its eyes set on investing in more envi- to New Zealand Scott Brown, who ronmentally friendly modes of trans- was appointed in June 2017 under port, including to roll these vehicles the Trump administration, further out to residents in the long run (bcn, highlighted the United States’ renewed 29 May 2018). With an estimated interests in working with Pacific coun- cost of nz$20,000 per vehicle, this tries (bcn, 3 May 2018). The Turkish figure remains relatively out of reach ambassador to New Zealand also pre- for many. Despite still being just a sented his credentials during a cour- concept—with explorations only into tesy visit (bcn, 24 Oct 2017). Since the viability of the government using Turkey established diplomatic ties electric cars—increasing fuel prices on with New Zealand in 2015, this was the island may become an incentive a milestone event as it was the first for some to invest in more environ- time a Turkish ambassador had visited 216 the contemporary pacific • 31:1 (2019)

Niue. Italy’s ambassador to New Zea- garnering support from smaller island land also presented his credentials, as nations such as Niue by providing did the Australian high commissioner economic and development assistance and the Indian high commissioner to in exchange for support of their politi- New Zealand, further strengthening cal agendas. For instance, in exchange the bilateral ties. India has provided for economic assistance, Niue provides substantial development assistance to India support at international forum Niue, most notably with the provision election processes and, as mentioned, of nz$1.2 million in funding toward Niue endorses China’s “One China” upgrading the island’s mobile network policy (bcn, 26 Oct 2017). With the from 2g to 4g (bcn, 26 Oct 2017). United States now looking to increase By the time of publication, the 4g its assistance to the island, it will network will have launched. To date, be interesting to see how Niue will Niue has fifteen diplomatic relation- manage these relationships, compet- ships, including with China, Singa- ing interests, and the expectations of pore, India, Australia, Cook Islands, bigger countries of Niue, and how Sāmoa, Thailand, Turkey, Cuba, its relationship with its traditional Papua New Guinea, Kosovo, Japan, aid and development partner, New Italy, Brazil, and New Zealand, with Zealand, will continue going forward. which it has a constitutional relation- Because support for the island’s devel- ship (Niue High Commission 2018). opment has expanded, it has increased In December 2017, Niue and the Niue’s ability to be more critical People’s Republic of China celebrated of the support that it receives from ten years of diplomatic relations. A New Zealand. Chinese delegation of twelve visited Niue’s application to become a the island to mark the occasion, with member of the Asian Development a formal ceremony followed by a Bank (adb) has been marked with large display of fireworks, described great progress. In recent months, the as the largest fireworks display ever premier met with the president of seen on the island, held as celebrations the adb to discuss the viability and to mark the milestone (bcn, 13 Dec requirements for Niue’s member- 2017). Signed under the leadership of ship (Office of the Premier of Niue former Premier Young Vivian, the cur- 2018a). With a total membership of rent Niue premier reiterated that Niue sixty-seven countries, the aim of the stands by its endorsement of the “One adb is to reduce poverty in the wider China” policy and supports ongoing Asia Pacific region through “inclusive cooperation between the two countries economic growth, environmentally regarding economic and development sustainable growth, and regional assistance (bcn, 13 Dec 2017). integration” (bcn, 29 May 2018). In An economic and technical coop- 2017, it was reported that adb opera- eration agreement with China was tions totaled just over us$30 billion, signed with the purpose of upgrading with us$11.9 billion in financing the island’s road infrastructure (bcn, (bcn, 10 May 2018). The objectives 13 Dec 2017). We continue to see big- of the organization align with Niue’s ger players in the international scene emphasis on economic and environ- political reviews • polynesia 217 mentally sustainable growth, although first ever marine compliance strategy it would be worth exploring just how was compiled, in which consulta- in-depth regional integration would tions were held regarding the man- be carried out, given the economic, agement of Niue’s marine resources developmental, social, and cultural (bcn, 15 Feb 2018). This strategy will differences among many of the Asian help to put in place plans, rules, and and Pacific Island nations. regulations for the use of the island’s Membership with the adb would ­maritime spaces. expand Niue’s avenues for apply- Several other development initia- ing for financial support, in addi- tives were also undertaken, includ- tion to working with its traditional ing a mapping exercise of Niue’s development partners. This is the civil society engagement, in a bid to third time that Niue has applied for ­create a better understanding of local membership, and it is reported to be perspectives and the support required very close to meeting the required for grassroots projects, and so as to threshold for becoming a member, be better reflected in regional spaces including garnering support from and forums (bcn, 16 Nov 2017). Here various member nations including we are seeing greater regional support India, the United States, and Indo- for development and an increase in nesia (Office of the Premier of Niue Pacific-led capacity building projects, 2018a). A us$100,000 membership highlighting the strength and commit- fee is required to become a member ment of Niue to Pacific regionalism. (bcn, 3 May 2018). Consequently, it A vital observation made during will be interesting to see just how Niue the review period is that the current will make this payment, having to government appears to be exclusively balance this against a budget deficit as influenced by a limited number of well as government objectives to solve its members. Whether this is due to infrastructure issues, gain investments limitations of the constitution or the for future projects, and achieve other approach undertaken by the govern- long-term goals. ment, it will be interesting to see how Support from international agencies open and interactive with the popula- and organizations to the island has tion it will become going forward. enabled an array of capacity-building This calls for the Niue population to projects focusing on economic and be more active in the democratic pro- environmental sustainability. For cess, be more aware and demanding of instance, the Global Environment their local representatives, and to not Facility along with the United Nations be too complacent when it comes to Development Project provided funding politics. This observation reflects on for the Accelerating Renewable Energy the island’s political sophistication and and Energy Efficiency Applications the need for encouragement for the in Niue (arean) project (bcn, 15 population to become more involved Feb 2018). This project will spear- in decision-making processes. head Niue’s vision to have 80 percent This also calls for a review of the renewable electricity by 2025 and is Niue Constitution, given that some of set to be implemented in 2019. Niue’s Niue’s legislations are very old; Niue 218 the contemporary pacific • 31:1 (2019) has changed and developed signifi- and Niuean on YouTube by NIUEtv. cantly over the years since 1974. The Available from https://www.youtube.com/ language used in the constitution is channel/UCs9I7RgHxPqkhSvsgsHChlw very important and it is currently quite Fiji Sun. 2018. Niue Minister Admits Guilt “loose,” requiring tightening as some on Assault, Discharged. 15 May. Available articles may be interpreted in a variety from https://www.pressreader.com/fiji/fiji of ways, giving room for amendments -n/20180515/281964608366044 that may be questionable but not pro- Niue High Commission. 2018. A List of hibited by the constitution itself. Niue’s Diplomatic Partners. Copy of list in Overall, this review reflects Niue author’s possession. as a place that is still very much in Office of the Premier of Niue. 2018a. the developing phases of its political adb (Asian Development Bank) Member- existence, albeit with great potential. ship Meeting. Information release, 2 May. The premier’s preference for invest- https://niuepremierofficial.com/media ments over “aid” is worth noting, as -centre the use of such terms can influence ———. 2018b. Budget Statement donors’ and recipients’ perspectives on 2018/2019. Press release, 20 June. https:// the amount of and attitudes toward niuepremierofficial.com/press-release support provided to Niue. This places Parliamentary Counsel Office. 1988a. Niue at an advantage over other devel- Niue Constitution Act 1974 (Reprint): Act oping nations, as its small size and 3. New Zealand Legislation, 1 April. relatively untouched nature enables http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/ it to carefully build its capacity to 1974/0042/latest/whole.html#DLM412784 cater to its own needs and objectives ———. 1988b. Niue Constitution Act by observing the experiences of other 1974 (Reprint): Article 6(1)(b). New Zea- countries. It is hoped that Niue can land Legislation, 1 April. http://www manage all of the support it receives .legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1974/0042/ and its numerous relationships so as latest/whole.html#DLM413403 to effectively and efficiently achieve its ———. 1988c. Niue Constitution Act long-term goals, including becoming 1974 (Reprint): Article 22(1). New Zea- more self-sufficient. land Legislation, 1 April. http://www salote talagi .legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1974/0042/ latest/whole.html#DLM413422 ———. 1988d. Niue Constitution Act References 1974 (Reprint): Article 25. New Zealand Legislation, 1 April. http://www.legislation All websites accessed 8 September 2018. .govt.nz/act/public/1974/0042/latest/whole Ardern, Rt Hon Jacinda. 2018. NZ Sup- .html#DLM413425 porting Resilience of Niue Infrastructure rnz, Radio New Zealand. 2017. Big Wage and Renewable Energy. Office of the Prime Rise Pushes Niue Budget into Deficit. Minister, 6 March. https://www.beehive 15 Aug. https://www.radionz.co.nz/ .govt.nz/release/nz-supporting-resilience international/programmes/datelinepacific/ -niue-infrastructure-and-renewable-energy audio/201854817/big-wage-rise-pushes -niue-budget-into-deficit bcn, Broadcasting Corporation of Niue. 2017. News videos published in English ———. 2018a. Niue Minister Admits political reviews • polynesia 219

Guilt on Assault, Discharged. 14 May. Brexit, while also lobbying London https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/ to ensure the territory’s interests were pacific-news/357316/niue-minister-admits safeguarded in the longer term. -guilt-on-assault-discharged A crucial meeting for Pitcairn ———. 2018b. Niue Premier Changes His was the European Union Overseas Mind on Pension Portability. 4 April. Countries and Territories Ministerial https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/ Conference held in Brussels between pacific-news/354078/niue-premier-changes 20 and 23 February 2018. A range -his-mind-on-pension-portability of issues were discussed, including Takelesi. 2017. Budget 2017 Passed By climate change, sustainable energy, Niue Assembly. Tala Niue, 8 Aug. and biodiversity, and what EU funding https://www.talaniue.com/budget-2017 could best support initiatives in these -passed-niue-assembly/ areas (octa 2018). The highlight for Pitcairn was the signing of a European Development Fund (edf)–11 Focal Sector agreement, worth 2.35 mil- Pitcairn € lion (us$2.72 million), to upgrade the The islands of Pitcairn, Henderson, island’s medical center and to sup- Ducie, and Oeno (commonly known port several tourism-related activities, as Pitcairn) make up a single territory, including “improving accessibility to the last remaining United Kingdom Pitcairn, specifically by developing Overseas Territory (ukot) in the the Bounty Bay and Tedside landings Pacific Ocean. But much of the period and improving on-shore facilities” and under review (1 July 2017–30 June “constructing a shelter and informa- 2018) was concerned with Pitcairn’s tion centre for tourists and other visi- relationship with the European Union tors” (European Commission 2018a). (EU), which has been highly advan- A further €480,000 (us$556,000) tageous to the territory. However, a was allocated under the EU’s Pacific long shadow has been cast over these Regional Funding to cover two-thirds relations due to the upcoming depar- of the preliminary budgeted cost of ture of the United Kingdom from the the introduction of solar-powered European Union (Brexit), which was renewable energy to Pitcairn (Pitcairn officially scheduled for 29 March Miscellany 2018b). 2019. Because of the frequent time lag in Pitcairn is an Overseas Country getting EU funds disbursed, Pitcairn and Territory (oct) of the Euro- also benefitted from some edf-10 pean Union. octs are not part of the money during the period under review. European Union and thus are not For example, a number of local road directly subject to EU law, but they improvement projects were under- do have associate status and thus taken through the European Union’s receive various forms of assistance integre (Territories Initiative for from Brussels. As a consequence, the Regional Management of the Envi- limited resources of the Pitcairn Island ronment) program (Pitcairn Miscel- Council were focused on securing as lany 2017a). integre also supported much EU funding as possible before a glass recycling project, whereby