Niuean History & People

Originally settled by migrating Tongans, Samoans and Cook Islanders, Niue evolved a unique culture and language, similar to, but quite separate from its neighbours. That makes more sense when you realise that the land itself is totally unlike that of its neighbours.

The name ‘Niue’ translates as ‘Behold! The coconut!’, a reference to the fact that this rocky island could sustain the coconut palm, thereby making it a land worth inhabiting. Polynesians benefit immensely from this plant and have ingeniously evolved innumerable uses of it.

Unlike its neighbours it avoided adapting the traditional Polynesian power hierarchy of priests and chiefs, and instead, relied on family or clan based units united under a ‘democratically’ elected monarch. This made Niueans very independent, both of each other and from their neighbours, and they remain so today.

Our country is a stable parliamentary democracy and has 20 sitting Member's of Parliament, presided over by a Premier.

The rocky limestone geology of the island also dictated that Niueans adapt new forms of domestic behaviour, and until the arrival of Christian missionaries in the mid 1800’s, Niuean domestic life was conducted within the many caves that interlace the island.

In 1900 the now Christian Kingdom feared being over-run and colonised by American or French forces, so allied with the British instead and ceded power to the English throne. In 1901 Britain annexed Niue to New Zealand, and in 1974 New Zealand returned sovereignty back to Niue.

The island is now one of the worlds smallest self-governing states, and rules in free association with New Zealand. Most Niueans now live in New Zealand – about 20,000 are Niuean born or of direct Niuean descent, while the island of Niue itself has only about 1500 people living there.

Local Customs & Fitting 'In'
Niueans are fairly relaxed folk, so respect the islands languid nature and you may have arrived as a visitor but you’ll leave as a friend.

The country is deeply Christian, so Sunday is truly a day of rest and very little is open or happens. For example, fishing, diving and boating is not permitted on Sundays.

To check what is available on Sundays, please check with the Niue Tourism Office.

Please note that wearing swimwear is not acceptable other than in swimming areas, so light clothing is polite to wear in public .