Niue History
Jackamy
Paul & Derry Harper
Mon 21 Jun 2010 02:37
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Niue is one of the world's safest
destinations and one of the few countries in the world where crime is almost
unheard of. It is one of the world's largest raised coral atoll, or
makatea, and is the only land mass in the centre of a triangle of
Polynesian islands made up of Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands. Located 2400km
north east of New Zealand, on the eastern side of the International Dateline,
Niue is 11 hours behind GMT. The islands isolation and coral make-up creates an
exciting rugged coastline and reef which provides intimate swimming coves as
opposed to the typical long stretches of sandy beaches so predominent elsewhere
in Polynesia. The whole islands is dotted with a myriad of caves, some of which
have yet to be explored.
Niue's less than 1500 residents enjoy dual
citizenship, as an independent nation in free association with New Zealand. They
are bilingual, speaking both Niuean and English, and enjoy an independent
lifestyle. Legends tell of the first settlement by Huanaki and Fao, together
with the Fire Gods from Finguagalo (Hidden Island). Centuries ago Polynesian
settlers from Tonga, Samoa and Pukapuka Island in the Cook Islands, gave Niue
the name of Motusefua (Island on its own). The English navigator Captain James
Cook sighted Niue in 1774, but was refused landing by the locals. He then named
Niue 'Savage Island'. Missionaries from the LMS (London Missionary Society)
established Christianity in 1846. Niue chiefs gained British Protectorate status
in 1900, and in 1901 Niue was annexed to New Zealand.
On 5th January 2004 Niue
was devastated by Cyclone Heta - one of the biggest storms ever recorded in the
Pacific. But the 'Rock of Polynesia' is now bouncing back and preservation of
Niue's unique culture is being encouraged through the Taoga Niue (Treasures of
Niue) Programme.
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