Niue – from Polynesian voyagers to self-government in free association
Niue, one of the largest raised coral islands in the world, was settled by Polynesian voyagers, with later influences from Samoa and Tonga. Oral traditions tell of early leaders and later of a line of kings, the patu-iki, chosen by the islanders themselves.
James Cook sighted the island in 1774 but could not land peacefully and named it Savage Island. In the 19th century Christian missionaries, supported by Samoan teachers and later by Niuean pastors, gained lasting influence, and the church became central to island life. In 1900 Niue became a British protectorate, and in 1901 it was annexed by New Zealand together with the Cook Islands, although it was soon administered separately.
In 1974 Niue achieved self-government in free association with New Zealand: it runs its own affairs, while Niueans hold New Zealand citizenship and New Zealand assists with defence and foreign affairs on request. Cyclone Heta caused severe damage in 2004. Since the mid-20th century many Niueans have moved to New Zealand, so that far more people of Niuean descent now live there than on the island itself.
Today Niue is shaped by its close-knit villages, strong church traditions, the Niuean language and determined efforts to protect its ocean and culture.
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