Niue is an island located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is commonly known as "Rock of Polynesia". Although it is self-governing, it is in free association with New Zealand and is not regarded as an independent state. Niue is located 2,400 Kilometers north-east of New Zealand in a triangle between Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands.
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2 Politics 3 Culture 4 Geography 5 Defence and Foreign affairs 6 Related topics 7 External links |
European involvement in Niue began in 1774 with Captain James Cook's sighting (landing was refused) of what he named Savage Island.
The next major arrival was the London Missionary Society in 1846. Briefly a protectorate, the UK's involvement was passed on in 1901 when New Zealand annexed the island. Independence in the form of self-government was granted by the New Zealand parliament in the 1974 constitution.
Early in 2004, Niue was hit by the fierce tropical storm Cyclone Heta which, while killing only one, did extensive damage to the entire island.
The Niue Constitution Act 1974 (NZ) vests executive authority in Her Majesty the Queen in Right of New Zealand and the Governor-General of New Zealand. In practice, the constitution specifies that in every day practice, it is exercised by a Cabinet of the Premier of Niue and three other ministers. The premier and ministers must be members of the Niue Assembly, the nation's legislative assembly.
The assembly consists of 20 democratically elected members, 14 by the electors of village constituencies. The remaining 6 are elected the same way, except several constituencies are combined for each seat. Electors must be New Zealand citizens resident for at least 3 months, and candidates must have been electors resident for 12 months. The speaker is elected from among the members.
Niue is an island of a tropical climate located in the southern Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga. Of special interest, it is one of world's largest coral islands.
The geographic cordinates of Niue are 19 02 S, 169 52 W.
Area
Land use
Climate
Terrain
Most rainfall falls between November and April.
Niue has been self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for foreign affairs and defence; however, these responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue. Niue has no regular indigenous military forces.
History
Main article: History of NiuePolitics
Main article: Politics of NiueCulture
Main article: Culture of NiueGeography
Main article: Geography of Niue
total: 260 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 260 sq km
arable land: 19.23%
permanent crops: 7.69%
other: 73.08% (1998 est.)
Niue has a tropical climate affected by southeast trade winds.
The terrain of Niue consists of steep limestone cliffs along coast with a central plateau.Defence and Foreign affairs
Related topics
External links