Duncan Wilson
Niue’s Premier Young Vivian is focused on strengthening tourism and the economy after productive “catch-up talks” in New Zealand. For the past year Vivian has been concentrating on balancing Niue’s budget. He was in Wellington last month to discuss his efforts with foreign minister Winston Peters.

“I think we now should be on top of economic development and areas of sustainability,” the Premier told Islands Business.

“We have put together strict measures to get on top of this hump and I believe that in the future, there will be exciting things happening.”

Vivian has cut government salaries and is tinkering with tax changes to GST (goods and services tax). His discussions with Peters covered plans to grow tourism and the economy.

“Tourism is a priority for Niue. We are concentrating at the present moment first of all at the middle level of the market and also the village accommodation—the culture, the traditions, the values that are preserved in the villages and are of interest to tourists.”

Vivian plans to tap into the growing tourism market in the Pacific worth over US$1.5 billion a year. But visitors to Niue number around 3000 and many of these travellers are Niueans.

Although Vivian hopes a new mid-week flight from New Zealand to Niue would boost these numbers, Niue must concentrate on delivering targeted and sustainable long-term tourism growth, he said.

Vivian’s next budget would put greater emphasis on infrastructure. “We have money for roading, telecommunications, and housing accommodation and also tourist products...You have to have eating places for tourists, eco-tourism, places to stay—all that is required for a viable and sustainable industry.”

Budget boosts to infrastructure and telecommunications would improve Niue’s connections with the rest of the world. These links would also be demonstrated at the next Pacific Islands Forum meeting, if Niue’s hosting bid is successful.

“We will also show and promote the attitude that Niue is no longer a place that is isolated...from Niue you can do business anywhere in the world.”

Vivian says the country’s greatest challenge is its small population, which can constrain the development of key industries such as manufacturing and fisheries. He plans to entice some of Niue’s 20,000 expatriates back to their homeland.

“To get them back, we have to preserve and promote those things that you don’t have in New Zealand—the lifestyle, the freedom from crime, the togetherness of the people and, of course, the warm climate,” Vivian says.

“Niueans, if they return, now have the chance to go to New Zealand, Australia, or anywhere, and from Niue you can do business anywhere in the world. I believe that in the future there will be exciting things happening and like any other country, any other organisation, any other business, you have your ups and downs.” Vivian said.

Peters assured Premier Vivian of his unwavering support and a continuation of the two countries’ “special relationship, with a capital S.”