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FAKATUFONO NIUE

TAU TALA NIUE TTN #71 October 19th, 2010 36th CONSTITUTION Celebrations Special:

“Happy 36th Birthday, Niue!” In this issue:

• Happy Birthday Niue: Flag Raising Ceremony

• National Show Day Spectacular

• Private Sector Cocktail Party

• Nukutuluea Writers’ Evening

• Mutalau Village Show Day

The Flag Raising Ceremony A build up to celebrate a special day is always full of delightful suspense and expectations and with anniversaries these are opportune times for celebrating our achievements and reflecting on the past wondering whether the direction of where we are going is the best that we could have done for our nation and our people. This year’s Flag Raising Ceremony is probably one of the first in a long time that Niue’s Premier was not in attendance and one of the few without specially invited overseas guests,

Acting Premier Hon Togia Sioneholo

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but Hon Togia Sioneholo as Acting Premier had done a wonderful job in maintaining the solemnity and the stately dignity of this special and ceremonious occasion. The afternoon was fine and hot with the large white canvas tent filled to capacity with local and visiting Niueans from New Zealand. A special attention was accorded to present and former members of the Fono Ekepule who had arrived at the venue in a bus to be ceremoniously greeted by the Speaker of the House Mr Atapana Siakimotu and the older members of our nations, our tupuna, accorded a prestigious place at the forefront of the ceremony in recognition of, honouring the aforementioned as recognised and agreed to during the last Assembly meeting in September this year. After the arrival of the special guests the celebration commenced in earnest with the raising of the two flags and the singing of the two national anthems, followed immediately by the formal speeches, first by the New Zealand Representative and then the Acting Premier.

The Acting New Zealand High Commissioner, Hon Tauaasa Taafaki, opened the ritual of formal speeches congratulating the Acting Premier and the people of Niue in reaching this milestone, with warm greetings and felicitations from the Government and the people of New Zealand. “Today is a day to reflect on the past and celebrate the achievements that we, Niue and New Zealand, have made together under the relationship of “self government in free association,” he told the cerebrating participants, [This free association is enshrined in the 1974 Constitution Act of Niue] ‘…a unique arrangement, one which is preserved in the constitution and laws of our two

countries. It binds us together in shared history, common citizenship, and people to people connections. This is a relationship where both governments have rights and responsibilities and where the spirit of partnership must prevail.’ In his address, Acting New Zealand High Commissioner Tauaasa Taafaki, noted the achievements ‘…that we, Niue and New Zealand, have made together under the relationship of ‘self government in

free association.’ He began with an agreement between Premier Talagi and Minister Murray McCully during last year’s Constitution celebrations that ‘…the need to focus more of New Zealand’s support behind the creation of a successful tourism industry. The Minister said that he would ensure

Acting NZ High Commissioner, HE Taauasa Taafaki

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that the necessary funds from the ODA budget were committed to resource this development if that is what Niue wanted.”

Just under NZ$20 million has been allocated for this year with NZ$9 million earmarked for tourism and economic development. The Acting High Commissioner went on to detail the progress that has been made so far:

• The improvement of tourism infrastructure, such as the signages to enable tourists find places of interest [bike and sea tracks, restaurants and accommodation]

• Upgrading of the airport interior • Significant upgrade of telecommunications

network • A new workboat [due to be delivered soon] • An appointment of a Senior Tourism

Development officer to step-up promotion and marketing of Niue as a tourism destination

• Upgrading Matavai Resort and expanding accommodation base elsewhere

• A full time A320 Airbus to service Niue as from December this year, and

• The appointment of Mr Mark Blumsky, who will present his credentials to the Premier this week, as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Niue.

In congratulating Niue on its 36th Constitution celebrations the NZ Acting High Commissioner concluded, ‘…that today is not only for reflecting on the past, but also for looking to the future. New Zealand wants Niue to realise a sustainable, vibrant and productive future. There will no doubt be challenges to be

faced along the way. But I want to assure you that in partnership, we, New Zealand and Niue, can address the challenges and work together to overcome them.’

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Acting Premier Hon Togia Sioneholo’s Constitution Day address:

SPEECH FOR THE 2010 CONSTITUTION CELEBRATION Fakalofa lahi atu ke he tau tagata oti kua ha ha ke he tauteaga nei ti pihia foki ke he tau tagata kua nakai hohoko mai ke fiafia auloa ke he magaaho nei. Fakalofa lahi ke he tau fekafekau he Atua mai he tau

fakapotopotoaga kehekehe, Fakatonu Fono mo e tau ekepule he Fono Ekepule, aofia ai foki mo lautolu e tau mamatua ekepule he tau tau kua mole, tau mamatua Palemia fakamua, tau lilifu ko Frank Lui mo Young Viviani, Kau Pule Gahua he Fakatufono, Tohi Kupu Lahi he Fakatufono mo e kau Gahua he Fakatufono. Pihia foki ke he tau hukui Fono Takitaki Maga, tau mau kotofa oti he tau matakau kehekehe, tau maukoloa tau mamatua, fine mo e tama.

Warm greetings to your Excellency, the Acting NZ High Commissioner Tauaasa Taafaki, your family and members of your staff, and also to all our non Niuean speakers present here today. Manatu foki au ke tuku atu e tau manatu fakafeleveia ke he tau matakainaga Niue oti ne kua o mai he tau motu kehe ke lata mo e tau fiafia pule motu, po kua lata mo e tau fiafia pule motu. Monuina ha

mutolu a nonofo mai ke he ha tautolu a motu mo e amaamanaki ke liu feleveia ke he tau tau ne galo agaia. Fakaue ke he tau fakamonuina ma e aho mai he fekafekau he Atua, Pelesiteni he Ekalesia Niue, Hawea Jackson ne taute e liogi ke lata mo e aho. Pihia foki ke he tau fanau mo e tau faiaoga he Aoga Tokoluga ne lagomatai ke he tauteaga ia. Nakai amaamanaki ke loa e fakamatalaaga – fita ni he logona e mutolu e fakamatalaaga he Takitaki he kautu, ko e Palemia Toke Talagi – ki luga he leo taogo ke he magaaho pogipogi – pe he ke totou atu he magaaho nei – ka e manatu au uhoaki ke fakapuloa he leo taogo ke logona he motu ha ko e mena nakai o mai oti ke he tauteaga nei.

Niue High School entertains

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Ka e kua eke au mo hukui he Takitaki he ha tautolu a motu, mo e Fono Ikipule, ti pihia foki mo e Fono Ekepule – ke tuku atu e tau manatu fakaue ke he motu katoa ha ko e tau gahua mitaki oti, ke kamata mai ia Oketopa 2009 ke hoko mai ke he magaaho nei. Tau fakamatala kupu mo e tau fakapotopotoaga liogi kehekehe, kau gahua he Fakatufono, tau mau koloa mo lautolu ne gahua ke he tau pisinisi – loga e tau gahua mitaki kua fakafita ki ai tali mai ia Oketopa 2009, poke tali mai ia Oketopa 1974 poke finatu taha ki tua, ke he tau vaha kua mole. Fakaue lahi ma Niue Fekai.

Ti pihia foki ke he tau matakainaga Niue mai he tau motu kehe – fakaue ke he ha mutolu a tau gahua mitaki ma e motu ha tautolu - ke he tau lagomatai ke he tau gahua fakamaaga, ti pihia foki ke he tau gahua ke totou aki e higoa he ha tautolu a motu,

ke he tau motu ia kua nonofo ai a mutolu. May I also take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to our many development partners including UN agencies [UNESCO, FAO, WHO and so forth], the Forum Secretariat and regional agencies [SPC, FFA, SOPAC, SPREP, USP and so forth] - the many countries from within the region as well as from outside our immediate Pacific region [INDIA, CHINA and so forth] and the many NGOs, for their continuing generous support to the government and people of Niue.

And of course we always have that special relationship with the government and people of NZ – of whom we share a common citizenship – though different governments. Your Excellency, you have highlighted

We told you it was a party!

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some of the IAlofi South performing the mekeIIAlofi South performing the mekeFigure IIIAlofi South performing the meke developments that have been made in the recent past as well as, development plans that the two governments have agreed to, for this financial year. Indeed it is very encouraging, the current and future arrangement with Air New Zealand – and no doubt an arrangement that will continue to improve on visitor numbers in the years ahead. There are visible signs as you have pointed out of improvements to infrastructures on the island. That can only provide encouragement to the people of Niue – both residents and those visiting our shores. No relationship is perfect – even a special relationship – but as you have stated – those are “challenges to be faced along the way”. May we the people who share the same citizenship and, the governments of Niue and New Zealand continue to improve and strengthen that special relationship to our mutual benefit. Amaamanaki ke tumau e takitakiaga he Atua ke he ha tautolu a tau momoui ke liu feleveia foki he mahina Oketopa 2011. Fakaue lahi – monuina a tautolu oti. Acting Premier Hon Togia Sioneholo Special messages from the Premier and the Governor General: From Premier Hon Toke Talagi: Acting Premier,Speaker,Ministers, Members of parliament, People of Niue Kia fakamonuina mai he Atua ha Niue e tau tagata oti ha Niue ha ko e tuaga 36 aki Pule Fakamotu God has blessed us with a place on this earth and we celebrate our constitution and national day for our beloved country Niue Fekai Yesterday the Chinese raised Niue’s flag at an historical ceremony to mark our constitution day God Bless Niue and all who live on her Premier From the Governor General His Excellency Anand Satyanand: To Premier Hon Toke Talagi, Dear Premier, Niue will be celebrating 36 years of self government in free association with New Zealand on 19 October 2010. As Governor General of Niue I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you, your government and the people of Niue at this time.

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I regret that I will not be able to join you and your celebrations. I remember my visit to Niue in 2007 very fondly and hope that I will be able to visit again in the not too distant future. Kia monuina, Yours sincerely, Anand Satyanand Governor General Background information: Prior to the 1974 Constitution Act a Referendum was held to decide whether Niue was to maintain its current status [status quo] with New Zealand or to become a self governing state in free association. The Referendum favoured self government, 887 votes to 469. In October 19th 1974 the Niue Constitution Action Act became law which sets out the following elements of association with New Zealand: Section 4: The Constitution set out [in the Schedule] shall be the supreme law of Niue Section 5: Nothing is this Act or in the Constitution shall affect the status quo of any person as a…New Zealand citizen Section 6: Nothing in this Act or the Constitution shall affect the responsibility of Her Majesty the Queen in right of New Zealand for the external affairs and defence of Niue Section 7: It shall be a continuing responsibility of Government of New Zealand to provide necessary economic and administrative assistance to Niue Effect shall be given to the provisions of sections 6 and 7 of this Act …After consultation between the Prime Minister of New Zealand and the Premier of Niue, and in accordance with the policies of their respective governments, and In relation to section 6 of the Act just quoted it is important to stress that as with the Cook Islands the responsibilities of New Zealand for the external affairs and defence of Niue do not confer on the Government of New Zealand any rights of control,… and it does so in effect on the delegated authority of the Government of Niue.

Honouring the former and current Members of the Fono Ekepule During the Fono Ekepule in September the Members of the House agreed that former and long service members should be accorded more attention and

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recognition than as bluntly expressed by the Member for Namukulu ‘more than a flag and a few guns salute.’ As a result our tupuna was given a priority seating where previously a prerogative of VIPs and a special tribute to long time serving and former members were bussed into Falefono and greeted by the Speaker, Mr Atapana Siakimotu. Previously this was a privilege accorded to the Ministers and the New Zealand Representative. Later after the formalities were over the same group were treated to a special lunch at Juana’s Restaurant where further speech making took place as befits people with preferred status. Entertainment:

Niue High School students again provided the entertainment main course to round off the Flag raising Ceremony. As per usual their performance was sensationally flawless and so titillating that the audience found it difficult to get

up and join the dancers rather than remain seated. Alofi South community, as requested by Premier Talagi after their rousing performance of the meke during their annual village show day, impressed the visitors who have never before seen this particular item from our repertoire of traditional dances. “Curdled my blood,” murmured one who was standing next to us, mesmerised by the impact from a large group performance. Towards the end of the final item by the Alofi South Leviatana Youth group the audience could not contain themselves, surrendering to the call by the rhythm of the songs and the drums by joining the group in a free for all participation that eventually extended the entertainment segment of the ceremony by at least half an hour longer. In the end the initially reserved and dignified celebration dissolved into a carnival, revelry, festival and gala all rolled into one, a fitting conclusion to a well deserved birthday celebration.

Tohitohi Nukutuluea: Poetry Recitals and Storytelling Imagine our tupuna before the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1774 and the

Mrs Sifa Tulepu, the oldest storyteller…

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Missionaries less than a century later - what did they do for entertainment? Our oral history and traditions tell us that ‘they were in a constant state of conflict or warring with one another’ a perception that Captain Cook [who named Niue as Savage Island] and the Missionaries, found our ancestors unfriendly compared to other islands they had visited.

But we believe that Niue’s oral history, originally rich in their songs, dances, poetries, stories, myths and legends have been irretrievably lost when they embraced the full impact of the missionaries’ Christian duty to eradicate evil and paganism where ever they were found and with it our cultural heritage that made them [our ancestors] who we are

today. The followers of this event were not as numerous like they used to in previous years but those who did were treated to an evening of storytelling and poetry recitals and were not disappointed because there is still a wealth of talented wordsmiths in our midst. Huitama Tolitule from Auckland was the only visitor who was brave enough to attend the evening function although he was well supported by the members of his family. Hui impressed us with his poetical rendition of ‘Thunder and Lightning’ a piece delivered wonderfully with actions and mimicry that would elicit envy from a seasoned saga poet of Middle Earth. He told us that he has a collection of poems and stories and we

...And Miss Latoya Tukuitonga, the youngest member

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hope that he will return in the future to share them with us and we sincerely hope that amongst his repertoire of stories and poems there would be fire breathing dragons, monsters and elves, imps and pixies …now that would be something, wouldn’t it? The youngest entrant was youngster Latoya Tukuitonga with her story, so serious for one so young yet audacious and courageous to participate in this event, a ‘chip of the old block’ according to her doting grandmother, herself a founding member of Tohitohi Nukutuluea Club. There were no surprises from the

remaining participants – all are storytellers to delight the most ardent follower. Mrs Sifa Tulepu’s story about how the coconut tree was brought to Niue by the two adventurous intrepid brothers Leveimatagi and Leveifualolo, and Mrs Estella Viliamu amused her audience with her hilarious tale of the whale and a pint-size rockfish. These are two of our more popular traditional stories that our grandmother used to tell us before going to sleep in the ‘olden days.’

Other stories, drawn mostly from personal experience and written in poetry form, Herman Tagaloailuga, [who almost lost his life while saving a tourist from drowning] or Young Vivian’s treatise in whether they had made the right decision in 1974 in accepting the Constitution] or some, like Moka Tano Puleoti’s [Patterned Shower Curtain, or Malua Jackson’s [Egg layer chickens] for example

were written ad shared for humour and easy listening. All acknowledged and thanked Ms Moira Enetama, Manager of Tāoga Niue, helmsperson guardian and promoter of our cultural treasures. You really have to be there to appreciate in full the impact of the poems and the stories as they were told – watching and listening to them on television is a poor substitute because the nuances in the gleam on a performers’ face, the sidelong glance of incredibility, the camaraderie of like minds and like passion – are simply not the same. Like it or not Tohitohi Nukutuluea is here to stay, thanks to those who have the wherewithal to ensure our stories are told and are willing repositories for our future generations. Other

Mrs Estella Viliamu the incomparable storyteller...

Mrs Maihetoe Hekau, in a class of her own

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participants in this event were: Ekepule Maihetoe Hekau who opened the event, Peta Lavini, Maryanne Talagi and Mrs Talaese Togotogo. Mutalau Show Day Delights Locals and Visitors

We are not sure whether Mutalau’s Show Day was scaled down this year because they were preparing for the Opening of their Village Ekalesia Hall this week or was it simply because there have been so many Constitution activities during the week that got in the way of the main event. Despite the normal vibrancy of previous years the local community did their best to welcome, feed, entertain and welcome their visitors. Missing from this year’s display were the women’s handcrafts. “We have had our special day earlier in the week,” explained a member. “We decided that rather than putting on the same craft exhibits from the women we thought it best to allow the men’s handcrafts more exposure in a way of encouraging interested carvers to display their work.” True to her words the canoes, wooden spears, clubs and bowls of every shape and size were prominently presented to their best advantage without the ‘distraction’ of the women’s crafts. The quality of the work by the men was of very high quality, beautifully finished, polished and varnished until they gleamed and sparkled further enhancing the colour and the grain of our native timber. There is much to do in order to encourage more men to display their natural carving talents in this country, according to Timothy Magaoa in his speech at the National Show Day earlier in the week. “A proper centre or building for the men to work in, share their expertise and display their work would go a long way to encourage local carvers to come forward and to show that this art form, especially for our young people, is worthwhile pursuing and developing.” Of the agricultural produce Mutalau

Mark Blumsky [right] spotted at the Mutalau Show Day, with Marie Etuata

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growers are without equal in this, not only in quality, size and wider range and varieties compared to those found in other show days. Mutalau village is well known for growing large quantities of local staple crops such as talo, yams and bananas as well as a wide range of vegetables and not surprisingly most of the local vendors in the local market in Alofi are from Mutalau.

Late comers to the Show day were disappointed – not because stalls ran out of food after the initial rush but because the ‘early birds’ arrived first and bought large quantities of breakfast plates of which most were taken home to be enjoyed with their families. TTN was a late arrival and the only reason he had a plate was that the vendor had made a special gesture of goodwill and made the effort to find him something which was gratefully received, thank you

very much. While on the subject of goodwill most Niueans will never let a guest depart without a plate of food to take away and if there were not enough food left over to fulfil this very important traditional gesture they will dig deeper into their resources to make sure that the visitor or guest will not leave without. Mutalau’s Show Day entertainers obviously decided not to follow the mass group dancing and singing the way Avatele and Alofi South in theirs. Instead small groups [of which there were many] mostly local with expatriate descendants from other villages, kept the crowds amused and delighted for over an hour. As already mentioned the community will look forward to another commitment to be held on Wednesday when the Mutalau

Ekalesia officially opens its Church Hall. Another National Show Day Spectacular This day should really have been called the ‘Festival of Colours and Fragrances’ – just about everyone wore something different, dazzling sparkling and glowing from clothes, hats, fresh

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and beautifully scented flower garlands with matching floral headgear – mind you, it is party time and therefore why not?

The theme for this year is the same as it has been for many years – Food Security [as prescribed by FAO which is the main sponsor] under ‘United Against Hunger’ but without the procession of floats that dominated this event. “In fact we don’t really need floats this year,” said a staff member from DAFF. “You can see everything here inside the large white tent; it shows how fortunate we are to be so blessed with as much food as we are capable of producing.” As in previous years National Show Day atmosphere does not really offer much in the way of breakfast fare except for the hardworking individuals from Alofi who were close enough to Paliati and who found it worth their while to sell cooked food. Therefore what you saw in the stalls was what

you got. The Private Sector Businesses decided this year to hold their Expo in conjunction with and in the same venue as the National Show Day because, according to one business owner, ‘it makes sense to do it this way.’ Patricia Hunter, for example who makes [from her back doorstep] and sells her own coconut oil, jams, relish and preserves, was pleased with the interest and responses for her

products she received, especially from expatriate Niuean visitors. She is looking forward to expand her ‘small cottage business’ as her clientele base increases in volume. It was in the big white tent that visitors gravitated to and hung around for most of the day – admiring the agricultural produce and marvelling at their prodigious sizes and quality. Talo, yams, drinking coconuts and bananas dominated the exhibits, with

The flamboyant Samoan group, - large, visible and very noticeable...

The Tongan group...

The Tuvaluans ...

...and the Filipinos

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vegetables of all sizes, shapes, colours and textures making up most of the remaining produce. Tāoga Niue’s site drew many interested visitors, initially looking at the old photographs on

display then to live demonstrations of washing clothes ‘in the olden days’ and cooking fish, or barbequing Niuean style, with the more fortunate spectators getting to share some of the cooked delectable from the charcoal cooker. The women’s competition for making hand fans and baskets [both using green coconut leaves] proved to be very popular that elicited interest from expat Niueans, who I might add, did very well against their local competitors. Although three men took part in making baskets none wanted to be seen making ‘women stuff.’ The visitors were also eager to take part but more to update their skills than to compete or to be recognised. It was in the entertainment event that everyone was looking forward to and this was an opportune time for minor ethnic groups living in Niue to take an active part in the Constitution Celebrations. The Samoans was singularly spectacular in their vermilion red costumes accompanied by their own live musicians that added ephemeral yet dramatic bursts of sheer brilliance in their performances. There is nothing like live music, parchment drums and the Pacific Islanders’ wooden slit drums that the dancers swayed to in perfect unison, and firing the blood of the spectators at the same time.

The Tuvaluans in their soft green pastel colours have always impressed including the fact that they are consistently willing participants in this event every National Show Day, while the flamboyant Tongan community, reluctant to be outperformed were outstanding.

‘No, no, no!’ says Lucy May, 'this is not about the weave but about how to hold your mouth like mine - see?

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The Fijian performances are always popular and this year was no exception and following hot

behind their heels were the members of a growing Filipino community. Their item was a welcoming addition to the Constitution programme and their performers were delightfully lithe and delicately glamorous in their traditional costumes. And of course our only Polish [as in Poland, not as in polishing your car] Henry never misses an opportunity to let everyone know that there is

life beyond the Pacific Ocean and his culture however small is worthwhile sharing. While all eyes were on the entertainment and the entertainers there were other events going at the same time. There were tika and coconut throwers; a titanic tugs o’ war competition – with teams made up of men, women, mixed and children, and a new event [at least new to TTN] of rolling a coconut tree trunk using only one’s feet. This last item was a popular team event obviously enjoyable judging by the number of people who gathered to watch with keen fascination roaring with glee as competitors seem to find as many different ways of falling off a rolling log as there were of staying aloft. It was a wonderful day, fine and warm and it was wonderful to be relaxing in the company of their

families, friends or newly found relatives and acquaintances. Private Sector Cocktail Function This function’s major sponsor, Dessyo Sioneholo and Esther Pavihi of Okakoa, with contributions from other private businesses, were pleased to invite their ‘valued customers and

This is a new event - its called 'Coconut Trunk Rodeo’

Cocktail Evening Hosts - Dessyo Sioneholo and partner Esther Pavihi

Poimamao Vakanofiti and Juliana Tongahai

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friends’ in a way of thanking them for their support and patronage through the year, as well as raising funds to assist with the Police Department’s efforts to combat against underage alcohol consumption among our young people.

While the revellers agreed that it was probably the most enjoyable of all the Constitution related activities the party was not well attended as expected because the untimely arrival of torrential rain, thunder and lightning decided to limit the number of possible inebriated drivers on the roads afterwards, which was according to the hosts, ‘probably just as well. The appearance and performances of the

2010 Miss Teen Niue, Fitiola Hekau and the Runner - Up to Miss Niue, Ebony Pulu did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the patrons despite the rain which continued to pour down freely throughout the night. All the funds raised were gratefully accepted by Police Officers, Constables Ms Juliana Tongahai and Poimamao Vakanofiti who were grateful for the

contributions. “This was, for obvious reasons, one of the most popular Constitution activities on the celebration calendar,” explained Dessyo. “We thought it a good way to say thanks to our customers with an added opportunity of raising funds for a good cause.”

Post Tip for the Melbourne Cup this week: We hope that you did not choose a horse that does not follow other horses like ours did. Publisher: Niue Public relations Office Premier’s Department Fale Fono Alofi, NIUE Editor/writer/photographer: Niu Tauevihi Proofreaders/contributors: Birtha Lisimoni Togahai and SOG Available from the Government of Niue Website: www.gov.nu