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. Niue is located 2,400 kilometres north-east of New Zealand in a triangle between Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands.
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 1974constitution.
In January, 2004, Niue was hit by the fierce tropical storm Cyclone Heta which killed two people and did extensive damage to the entire island.
The assembly consists of twenty democratically elected members, fourteen by the electors of village constituencies. The remaining six are elected the same way, except several constituencies are combined for each seat. Electors must be New Zealand citizens resident for at least three months, and candidates must have been electors resident for twelve 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. It is one of world's largest coral islands. The terrain of Niue consists of steep limestone cliffs along the coast with a central plateau. Most rainfall occurs between November and April.
The geographic cordinates of Niue are 19° 02′ S, 169° 52′ W.
The World Factbook Information on geography and people of island. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ne.html
Lonely Planet World Guide Includes information on attractions, activities, and environment. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/pacific/niue/
Niue Introduction 2000 Information on geography, population, government, transportation, and military. http://www.photius.com/wfb2000/countries/niue/niue_introduction.html
Cross, Mark Presents work by a New-Zealand-born artist, with his comments on life in the Southern Pacific islands and some essays on his philosophy of art. http://www.markcross.nu/
Weekly Niue News News articles of local interest. http://www.niuenews.nu/
