ALOFI (Niue Economic Review/PINA) — New information revealed during research into Niue as a “living community” indicates a common consensus of Niueans against party politics.
Among reasons given for abandoning party politics were the divisions it created in the community and among families during election time.
Concern was also expressed at the influence of the church in politics alleging it is causing “disunity.”
A final report by two New Zealand researchers—prepared for the Niue and New Zealand governments—is expected to be released in mid-April.
Niue goes to the polls on April 20 with the established Niue Peoples Party being challenged by an Alliance of Independents who claim to be “a team not a party.”
Also highlighted in discussion papers were rifts between New Zealand resident Niueans and those living on Niue. There are 1,400 residents of Niuean descent on Niue and 18,477 living in New Zealand.
The paper alleged, after a number of interviews, that Niueans in New Zealand felt neglected by both the New Zealand and Niuean governments.
However, the New Zealand Niuean groups interviewed considered the link between the two countries as being important and should be fostered.
Some island residents called for a change in “spoon fed” attitudes—expecting to receive things without doing anything or very little for foreign aid. They also opposed nepotism and the tendency of island authorities to hijack endeavors not initiated by the government.
