As Niueans see off a milestone Pulefakamotu, their Prime Minister urges his people not to forget about those stoking the home fires
Amid a torrential downpour, Niueans marked the 50th anniversary of self-government on the Rock, alongside invited dignitaries and many compatriots who had planned to be there for the big day.
But the conditions failed to put a dampener on the occasion with many of those present only too happy to be part of history, people like Niuean mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Molly Pihigia, who left Niue when she was just 19.
“It’s very important to me because it always remind me, I have a daughter born in 1974 and recently celebrated her 50th birthday,” Molly says
“And it’s so good to be here… because I’ve been in New Zealand 54 years so it’s a really beautiful feeling to be here and be part of the celebration.”
Representing New Zealand and the crown at this Golden Jubilee celebration was Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro alongside other dignitaries including Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and Fiji President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
Back in 1974 Niue became a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand. Up until then a local committee had been running the island’s affairs with New Zealand as its over-arching administrator.
With self-government, Niue could elect its own leadership and create its own footprint on the international stage although it would defer to New Zealand on defence matters. Crucially, Niueans would retain New Zealand citizenship.
“Personally, I just feel grateful that we have the freedom to be able to elect our own leaders and to have our own people do things,” says Sinahemana Hekau, a current member of Niue’s Parliament.
“Whether it’s perfect or imperfect, but at least we did it you know.”
Other Niuean residents, mindful of just how much of an historic occasion this year’s Pulefakamotu really is.
“it’s such a milestone that we’ve come to this, up to this era in our lives and like, I won’t be here for the next 50 years or, who knows, I’ll be 90-something then but I feel so honoured to be here on the island,” says Nicola Funaki-Puheke.
Niue High School Head Boy Kanye Jackson took part in the flag-raising ceremony, despite his youth he was quick to grasp the significance of the day.
“The 50th means Niue having the strength, even whittled down to a population of 1600 from 7000, we’ve lasted and we’ve endured long enough to reach 50 years of self-governance which, to me, I couldn’t be more proud of, to be a Niuean.”
Of course many of those here on Niue made the journey from the cooler climes of Aotearoa where the majority of Niueans now live, some 30,000 all told. This compares to around 4,000 in Australia and a resident population on the rock of around 1500.
De-population has always been an issue here even before self-government. And while it’s a happy time for many visiting Niueans, it is bittersweet.
“I feel happy. Yes, we are living in New Zealand, but deep inside our heart we are still Niueans, living overseas, that one day we will come back and that’s always in our hearts, we will come back. ” says Sauni Puhuke
“Hopefully more of us do come back from New Zealand,” says Dornell Ikaposi.
“Because apparently our nation is small and the numbers are diminishing. But it’d be great to have everyone, you know, come back here, throughout the years. That ‘s my hope to carry on our nation.”
Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi is hoping to rekindle that love of Niue in his people when he meets them next. He’s planning a visit to Australia next year and is keen to meet as many expatriate Niueans as he can.
“Don’t forget your homeland and remember those that’s keeping the fort alive,” he says.
“Remember these people, your own flesh and blood back home, that is managing the place for you guys, because if we lose this place, especially the language, once we lose that, we’ve lost our identity and you’ve lost this place.”
