Niue

Niue is a self-governing state in ‘free association’ with New Zealand. Located in the South Pacific, it is part of the Realm of New Zealand, which means that we share the same Head of State, His Majesty the King in Right of New Zealand. Under the Niue Constitution Act 1974, New Zealand provides necessary economic and administrative assistance to Niue, as well as assistance with foreign affairs, defence and security if requested by the Niue government. In turn, both countries have obligations to consult regularly on issues of mutual concern, and Niue can not enter into defence arrangements that would engage the competencies of the Sovereign right of New Zealand or engage in any act which may undermine the vital security interests of the Realm.

New Zealand’s engagement prioritises empowering the Government of Niue, to ensure the people of Niue lead prosperous, healthy, and safe lives connected to culture, land, and community. This is achieved primarily by partnering in the delivery of equitable and effective public services in Niue.

On 21 July 2022, the Governments of New Zealand and Niue signed a Statement of Partnership setting out the principles and priorities under which we will cooperate, coordinate and partner in shared priority areas.

Development cooperation and sustainability

New Zealand provides development assistance to support high-priority areas for Niue, particularly climate and the environment, infrastructure, budget and sector support (including health, education and tourism), public financial management, security and governance.

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme(external link) provides tertiary and thematic short-term cohort training scholarships to Niuean scholars.

The latest information on our development cooperation activities, including activity details and descriptions, start and end dates, geographic and sectoral focus, expenditure figures, is available at DevData(external link).

People and culture

Many people in New Zealand identify as Niuean and under New Zealand law, all Niueans are New Zealand citizens.

Niue uses New Zealand’s education curriculum and assessment systems and engages with New Zealand counterparts on delivery (Ministry of Education, New Zealand Qualifications Authority, and Education Review Office (ERO)).

New Zealand has committed to supporting the revitalisation of Vagahau Niue (Niuean language) through a partnership with Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Māori. Supporting Niue’s efforts to protect and revitalise Vagahau Niue preserves Niue’s unique cultural identity and is an area identified for cooperation under New Zealand’s bilateral relationship with Niue.

Trade and investment

Niue’s primary industry sector consists mainly of small-scale agriculture and industry processing of organic produce for export (honey, vanilla and noni juice). Consequently, Niue imports almost all of its needs (in particular food and fuel).

Niue’s tourism sector is a large contributor to the economy. It has been steadily growing as air services increase.

Niue’s currency is the New Zealand dollar.

The latest information about New Zealand's trade profile with Niue is available on the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).

Both New Zealand and Niue have ratified the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations PACER Plus which entered into force on 13 December 2020.

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