Niue

Australia/Oceania

The Cook Islands, Tokelau, and Niue are all territories of New Zealand. Cook Islands and Niue are self-governing territories, while Tokelau is still dependent on New Zealand for government and financial support. Their tropical location in the Pacific Ocean provides opportunities for tourism and agriculture, but they do not have the natural resources necessary to be self-sustaining.¹ These Pacific Islands all struggle with declining populations, as more and more citizens leave their homes to pursue better opportunities in New Zealand.² ^{1 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/may/29/davidfickling}
^{2 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/13/niue-pacific-island-struggling-population-new-zealand#img-2}

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About Niue

Quick Facts

ISO Code: NU
Continent: Australia/Oceania
Active Causes: 12

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American Samoa

Antarctica

Australia

Christmas Island

Cook Islands

East Timor

Federated States of Micronesia

Fiji

Causes in Niue

Environment

Niue is one of the world’s largest coral islands.¹ Like other Pacific islands, Niue struggles with land loss as a result of traditional slash and burn agriculture, along with improper waste disposal that pollutes the environment.²

Family

The islanders have a strong connection to their Polynesian, Samoan, and other Pacific Islander heritage. However, the islands are at risk for losing their native culture as the population is steadily declining.¹

Human Rights

Women and girls on the islands struggle to receive equal opportunities for work advancements as their male peers. Factors such as early marriage, teen pregnancy, sexual assault, and lack of government aid cause females to drop out of school earlier and therefore have less opportunities to advance their careers. ¹ There is also no legal action in place to discourage sexual abuse and trafficking. As a result, perpetrators face no consequences even in cases that are reported to the police.²

Education

Public education on the islands is free and compulsory for students ages 5-15, and it follows a similar structure to New Zealand’s educational system. Students learn about agriculture and the Maori culture and early on, with the option to receive more vocational training later.¹ The biggest struggle for education on the islands is the lack of qualified teachers and limited access to remote villages. Experienced teachers opt to work on the mainland, and the islands’ isolation inhibits telecommunication capabilities.² 98% of children begin primary school at age 5, but only 64% are still in attendance by age 11. Dropout rates are high for both male and female adolescents.³

Poverty

Poverty does not exist on Niue because the New Zealand government provides jobs and welfare funding for the islanders.¹^,² However, without the government aid, poverty on the island would be unavoidable. Isolation and a lack of natural resources make it almost impossible for the island to be self-sufficient.³

Religion

Pacific Island tradition influences the practice of Christianity on the islands. The highest percentage of people identify with the Congregational Christian Church, a branch of Protestantism introduced by London missionaries.¹ Members of the church have an annual celebration called “Gospel Days”, a commemoration of when missionaries first arrived on the islands. They sing, dance, and enact real-world current events that show the battle between good and evil.²

Clean Water

The management of clean water sources is one of the biggest challenges on the islands. Drinking water is collected in tanks from groundwater sources or rainwater, but water purification systems often do not work properly due to a lack of expertise. The sewage management system also malfunctions without proper care, allowing raw sewage to flow into the sea water.¹ New Zealand representatives provide instruction to islanders on proper waste management.²

Economy

In Niue, the economy is bolstered by the New Zealand government, which has established a trust fund that pays the salary for many residents employed in government jobs. New Zealand plans to reduce its amount of aid in the future as Niue grows its tourism industry and becomes more self-sufficient.¹

Government

Niue is a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. It is totally responsible for its own local government and receives aid from New Zealand in foreign affairs and defense. The appointed minister works with local leaders to represent the islands.¹^,²

Health

All of the islands struggle to educate residents about the dangers of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that result from unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, and inactivity. NCDs such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions were the leading cause of death in Pacific Island nations in 2013. By providing more regulation of alcohol and tobacco and educating citizens on the dangers of these activities, the government hopes to reduce the prevalence of NCDs.¹ A lack of sexual education also leads to many teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.²

Children

Young citizens who remain on the islands can take part in educational programs where they learn the traditional vocations of their ancestors, like canoe-making and fishing. These programs are a part of efforts to maintain the islands’ culture despite a mass population exodus to New Zealand.¹ Children younger than 16 are not legally allowed to work, although the law is loosely enforced by the local Industrial Relations Officer.²

Animals

Most of the wildlife population in the New Zealand territories is similar to other Pacific islands. Several species of insects and birds are endangered, but the local government has taken measures to protect them.¹

Location

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Hesperian Health Guides

Hesperian Health Guides is a nonprofit health information and health education source that supports individuals and communities in their struggles to realize the right to health. We develop easy to read materials that are produced in many languages. All are available through our bookstore and for free online on our HealthWiki.

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