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Table of Contents
Foreword 1
Country Profile 2
Vision 3
National Development Pillars 4
Financial Stability 5
Governance 6
Economic Development 7
Social 9
Environment 10
Taoga Niue 11
Strategic Areas for Development 12 – 26
NNSP Implementation Framework 27
FOREWORD
The Government of Niue is committed to building a “Prosperous Niue” – Niue ke Monuina for all who wish to make Niue their home and enjoy the Tāoga and lifestyle which we have all come to realise is a life worth living to enjoy.
Creating wealth using the resources that God has bestowed upon our country, through investments in tourism, fisheries and selected crops noni and vanilla as well as our food security subsistence crops, have been identified as the cornerstone of our economic aspirations.
Generating greater revenue capacity through the introduction of a consumption based tax will lead to greater sustainability and financial stability. Working together in a coordinated and well planned manner to ensure the populations good health, well educated children and a strong and growing private sector supported by a robust and well managed public service is paramount.
Government alone cannot make this vision happen. The vision must be built on a genuine shared desire to help develop Niue. Our forefathers overcame many hardships and challenges and we look back with pride at the foundations they built and recognise that it is our duty as caretakers to maintain our strong national identity; our “Tāoga” with responsible, smart logical strategies and solutions for our people.
The central purpose of the Niue National Strategic Plan (NNSP) is to focus and invest on creating opportunities for everyone on Niue through Financial Stability, Good Governance, Economic, Environment, Social and Tāoga development pillars with economic growth as the identified anchor and vital for prosperity.
In order for NNSP to work a whole of Niue approach will be needed to spearhead economic development initiatives identified and agreed in a consultation process which includes everyone and will continue to include everyone.
Niue is our Tāoga, our birthright. For those who choose to make Niue your home you are blessed with a country that is safe, unspoilt, and unbelievably beautiful. A country that holds a lifestyle and environment that is uniquely Niuean and very much sought after internationally.
Take care of Niue, our country and Tāoga is irreplaceable and priceless.
Hon Toke T Talagi Premier - Niue Island www.gov.nu
VISION
Niue ke Monuina – A Prosperous Niue
The objective is to build a sustainable future that meets our economic and social needs while preserving environmental integrity, social stability, and the Niue culture.
VISION STATEMENT
Niue’s journey towards prosperity commenced in 2003, under the National Integrated Strategic Plan 2003 - 2008. The achievements for this period were mixed. A category 5 cyclone2 that caused widespread damage 6 months after the Plan started, diverted financial and other resources to recovery and rebuilding post-cyclone. The strategic objectives have been adapted and strengthened for the 2009-2013 period.
The achievement of Niue ke Monuina is supported by six national development goals or Pillars and specific strategies under each of those Pillars. Progress of the journey to prosperity is measured by targets and indicators corresponding to each of the Pillars.
A number of strategies have been identified to achieve the Pillars. Careful and strategic allocation of resources will be prioritised so that the strategic initiatives, activities and targets can be achieved by 2013. The 2009 - 2013 Plan is a five-year strategic framework towards achieving ‘Niue ke Monuina’. It provides the directions that we as a nation shall follow to enable us to achieve prosperity for everyone.
LIVING THE VISION
Niue will continue to be a sovereign nation in free association with New Zealand. Its unique culture, based on spiritualism, language, heritage and social values, will thrive and be celebrated. Her people will continue to enjoy a high standard of living with a unique island lifestyle and a stable and responsible government.
Niue will continue to be recognised internationally for its unspoilt and unique environment, particularly its pristine coastal waters. It will continue to protect that environment through sustainable environmental practices.
While government will continue to be the major employer, there will also be a vibrant private sector offering employment and investment opportunities to both locals and those wishing to make Niue their home.
The tourism industry will continue to flourish based on the attractions that the unique environment has to offer. The industry will be serviced by regular airline services to New Zealand and other Pacific Island Countries. Vanilla and noni production and a thriving fishing industry are major contributors to the economy.
The revenue base for the government will have expanded so that there are sufficient funds available to finance necessary infrastructure maintenance and replacement, provide seed capital to encourage private industry and investment as well as continue to provide essential government services. Government will continue to be debt free.
As a result of these initiatives Niue’s population will be stable and possibly show a net increase. Government will continue to enjoy cordial international relations particularly with New Zealand, Australia her Pacific neighbours and valued investment partners. It will also continue to enjoy and participate in regional and international fora. The journey towards prosperity will continue to build the foundation for the future of Niue.
Cyclone Heta, January 2003
1 - FINANCIAL STABILITY
ENSURE THAT SUFFICIENT FINANCIAL RESOURCES ARE SECURED, AND RESPONSIBLE FISCAL MANAGEMENT IS PRUDENT, SUSTAINABLE AND SUPPORTS HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
AIM: To have sufficient funds available on an ongoing basis in order to fund:
1) recurrent budget 2) asset maintenance and replacement programmes 3) capital programmes, and 4) new initiatives in support of the strategic objectives 5) capital investment
Financial stability is fundamental for Niue to develop into a prosperous nation. Niue must ensure that sufficient financial resources are available in order to continue to meet its obligation for the nation. There will be challenges along the way; however with prudent fiscal management financial stability can be achieved if a whole of Niue approach is adopted.
Niue’s financial resources are derived from taxation (income tax and import duties), government trading activities, sovereign assets and development partners. These resources are used to fund the Government’s annual recurrent costs which include personnel, asset maintenance and replacement, and economic development initiatives.
In the last five years significant efforts have been made to ensure that all government services and functions are maintained. Niue is heavily dependent on its constitution partner New Zealand for financial assistance. While New Zealand has a statutory obligation to provide the necessary economic and administrative assistance to Niue, Niue will look to foster diplomatic relationships and strategic alliances with the wider international community and within Niue’s Constitutional parameters with New Zealand.
The introduction of a broad based tax system (Niue Consumption Tax), improvement on entrepreneurial activities and returns, the removal of government subsidies on certain services and user pay charges are some of the options that Niue is considering in order to address its ongoing cash flow challenges.
The establishment of an Aid Management Unit, a fiscal management framework and a Public Sector Investment Programme will ensure better management of financial and technical resources. These vital instruments will be used to highlight the areas where external funding will be essential to minimise pressure on the recurrent budget.
2- GOVERNANCE
ENSURE THAT GOOD GOVERNANCE REFLECTS THE PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND IS PRACTISED AT ALL LEVELS
AIM To establish and practice good governance principles that will create an environment where all residents are fully informed and consulted.
Good governance promotes stability, peace and harmony, stimulates confidence across all sectors, Good governance keeps people informed and accountable and Niue remains committed to strengthen all aspects of good governance.
Niue is part of the realm of New Zealand and a special relationship exists between the two countries. Under the Niue Constitution Act 1974 Niue will be seeking clarification and letters of exchange on a number of issues and grey areas.
Work on the public sector reform has commenced. This reform will facilitate a more efficient and accountable public service, with a structure that is more appropriate to the current environment.
Law and order remains important for Niue. In an environment of increasing global challenges Niue’s justice system will need to be strengthened. The land court and processes will be more simplified and strengthened to function effectively, to facilitate land registration and titling process as access to land for developmental purposes is fundamental.
Strengthening current statistical systems and dissemination mechanisms will be undertaken to support national, regional and international commitments. Credible statistical data is important for evidence based decision for all stakeholders.
As a nation with a small population, the demands on the limited resources available are very high. Thus, better coordination and appropriate usage of all public and development partner funds is paramount for the delivery of all services.
3 – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MAXIMISE BENEFITS FROM NIUE’S RESOURCES IN A SUSTAINABLE MANNER FOCUSING ON PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT, TARGETING TOURISM, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SUPPORTED BY SAFE, RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE HEALTHY INFRASTRUCTURE
AIM
To promote economic development by:
1) Supporting and targeting assistance to the private sector’s strategic plan with maximum potential
2) maximising use of Niue’s resources in particular tourism, fishing, noni and vanilla in a sustainable manner
3) encouraging foreign direct investment and trade, and
4) developing and maintaining key infrastructure.
A strategic approach is being undertaken to ensure that efforts are focused on key areas where Niue holds a comparative and competitive advantage, such as tourism, fisheries and agriculture.
Visitor numbers to the island have increased with the commencement of the Air New Zealand service in 2005, flying direct from Auckland (New Zealand) to Niue, on a weekly basis.
Potential for a second service is dependent on an increase in tourist accommodation and products.
An increase in visitors will impact on infrastructure, and the Niue Waste Management Plan and National Water Management Plan will ensure that any negative environmental impactsare minimised. Key infrastructure such as power, communication, water and sanitation, port facilities and roads will be upgraded sustainably.
A review of the customary land system may identify ways to facilitate improved access and security of tenure to land for development purposes, while protecting customary ownership. There will be improved access to finance, and adopting appropriate foreign investment policies to encourage foreign investment, and skills and technology transfer, particularly from Niueans living abroad. Legislative and administrative requirements for the private sector will be streamlined and mechanisms to encourage investment will be explored, such as Insurance and a Credit Rating system.
STRATEGIES
Private Sector 1) Promote, assist and support a vibrant private sector.
2) Form and foster partnerships with non-government organisations
Tourism Increase tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner taking advantage of our clean, green environment and cultural and social values.
Fisheries Increase the returns from the fisheries resource in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Agriculture Facilitate agricultural development of products for food and nutrition security, and with proven commercial merits, particularly noni and vanilla though research and product and market development.
Trade and Marketing and Investment
Promote and secure markets for our products.
Seek and encourage venture capital investments and skills and technology transfer.
Forestry
Protect and conserve the forest and explore forestry and agro-forestry products
INFRASTRUCTURE
AIM
Develop and maintain necessary infrastructure to serve the development needs of all services.
All residents have access to good housing, electricity, water, international telephone systems, internet services; radio and television services. Air New Zealand flies direct from Auckland, New Zealand weekly on a Boeing 737 aircraft. Niue is serviced by monthly shipping services from Auckland, New Zealand.
Power is generated using diesel and the aim is for Niue to be 100% carbon neutral within the next three years. Niue is exploring renewable energy options to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and is considering energy efficient products such as electric cars and solar powered street lights.
STRATEGIES
Transport Provide quality road networks and secure reliable airline and shipping services.
Information, Communication and Technology
Provide efficient postal, telecommunication, meteorological and broadcasting services and explore and encourage Information Communication Technology (ICT) development.
Meteorological Services
Provide reliable, timely and quality meteorological services to all residents.
Energy
Provide reliable energy to all residents
Water
Provide a quality potable water supply to all residents.
Waste Management
Implement the waste management plan
Government Capital Assets
Implement the asset maintenance and replacement plan
4 – SOCIAL
ENJOY A HARMONIOUS AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN A THRIVING, EDUCATED AND SAFE COMMUNITY THAT HAS ACCESS TO A WIDE RANGE OF QUALITY SOCIAL SERVICES AND HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
AIM
To provide social services of a quality that will maintain and enhance the quality of life on the island.
A population strategy and policy will be developed to maintain and build Niue’s population. Inward migration policies will continue to focus on Niueans living abroad.Niue’s education system follows the New Zealand curriculum and provides free and compulsory primary and secondary education. Opportunities for tertiary education are available through the Government Reverse Scholarship Scheme or development partnerfunded scholarships.
An assessment on available human resources will assist planning for training opportunities inareas where there are skill shortages.
Niue has a new hospital with equipment that requires technical expertise. Public promotion on healthy living will target non-communicable diseases that are a high area of concern. Equally important is the provision of quality care for Niue’s elderly population, as well as the prevention of communicable diseases. Cost recovery options such as medical insurance to assist with overseas medical referrals, will be explored as well as assistance for referred patients.
The church and village communities continue to have important roles in society. The Community Affairs Department will continue to support church, youth, women, and sports groups that that promote community development. Sports activities will continue to contribute towards a healthy lifestyle and promote Niue through participation at regional and international levels. Niue competes in regional and international sporting competitions with rugby, touch rugby, weight-lifting and body building being the most popular. Sports development policies will be strengthened so that top athletes can receive high-level coaching and training opportunities.
STRATEGIES
Population Build up and maintain a population at a level that will support and enhance Niue’s economic, social and cultural systems.
Education, Training and Human Resource Development
Provide and maintain quality and relevant education services to enable and inspire all, as life-long learners, to become responsible citizens responsive to change and make appropriate moral choices contributing to the human and skills needs aligned to national aspirations.
Health
Provide quality health services to all residents and promote a healthy lifestyle
Community Services
Provide appropriate community services to pensioners, the disabled, children and those under hardship; and support to community groupsRaise awareness of problems created by the declining population in meeting community commitments.
Social and Spiritual Values
Promote, support and provide appropriate assistance to the church in responding to the spiritual needs of its members.
Sports and Recreation
Create an environment for people to enjoy sports and recreation, and to be competitive at a regional and international level
5 – ENVIRONMENT
SUSTAINABLE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF NIUE’S NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS
AIM
Utilise the abundant natural resources in a way that not only maximises the economic benefit but also ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy them to the full. The need for sustainable use and management of the environment and natural resources begins at the village level. All residents of Niue are responsible for the management and sustainable use of the environment.
Niue is susceptible to environment changes and a category 5 cyclone that devastated the island in 2004 demonstrated Niue’s vulnerability. The Department of Environment in collaboration with other departments will continue to ensure that the resources are managed effectively and that any adverse effects resulting from climate change are mitigated. Niue is an active participant in a number of international and regional discussions on climate change and environmental concerns and will continue to meet its reporting requirements.
Environmental impact assessments will be compulsory for all development programmes. A national waste management plan will be implemented along with resource management plans (such as fisheries and forestry). These plans will be implemented over the next five years and financial and technical resources will be required from development partners and international organisations.
The management and protection of the water lens and water bores is fundamental given Niue’s vulnerability. Awareness programmes will educate the residents of Niue on sustainable use and management of the environment.
STRATEGIES
Agriculture
Ensure the sustainable use and management of the land and soil
Fisheries
Enhanced management and conservation of the marine resources
Environment
Sustainable use and management of the environment
Climate Change and Natural Disasters
The mitigation of adverse effects of climate change and natural and non natural disasters
Solid and Hazardous Waster and Pollution
Review and strengthen the implementation of national initiatives in addressing solid and hazardous waste and marine pollution
Biodiversity Conservation
The conservation of marine, freshwater and terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems
Education for Environment and Sustainable Development
6 – TOGA NIUE PROMOTE, PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN NIUEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE, LANGUAGE, VALUES AND IDENTITY
AIM
To develop, sustain and enhance the sovereign and ethnic identity of the people of Niue through their own distinctive language, customs and traditions, arts and craft, history and the environment.
Tāoga Niue is the culmination of all elements that symbolise the “tagata” Niue; its identity, language, culture and heritage. Recognising the importance of Tāoga Niue for the well being of the “tagata” Niue and the need to preserve its culture and heritage, this sector has now been included as the sixth development pillar.
The Department of Tāoga Niue established in August 2006 is the key agency responsible for the promotion, preservation and the overall coordination of all aspects that represents Tāoga Niue, with key sectors such as Education and Environment providing the necessary support and complementing programmes. Fundamental to the strengthening of the functions and operations of Tāoga Niue will be the enactment of the Tāoga Niue Bill and the Vagahau Niue Language Commission Bill in 2009.
The Huanaki Cultural Centre was destroyed by Cylone Heta in 2004 and a new premise for Niue’s artefacts has yet to be constructed. Efforts will be expended to secure funding for the construction of the Kaina. Concurrent to these efforts will be the continuing restoration of historical public records damaged during Cyclone Heta, and strengthening of Niue’s public record keeping.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the implementation of the Tāoga Niue Strategic Plan and the outcomes of the 2004 Tāoga Niue Fono. The preservation and the promotion of Vagahau Niue, the arts, customs and traditions and history will be strengthened with the support of key stakeholders that reflects the ownership of Tāoga Niue, namely the family, village and national as well as government sectors such as Tourism, Education and Environment, and facilitated by the Tāoga Niue Department.
The cultural bridge programme with the Niueans living abroad and those living in Niue will continue to feature and will complement efforts in other sectors to rebuild Niue’s population and to further Niue’s aspiration towards economic prosperity.
STRATEGIES
Kaina Tāoga Niue Preservation and repatriation of cultural artefacts and national archives through the construction of a multipurpose multifunctional facility to house and include all needs of Tāoga Niue.
Promotion and Awareness
Promote and support Vagahau Niue, customs and tradition’s, arts and craft and history.
Niueans Abroad
Foster and nurture a cultural bridge with Niueans Abroad and those living in Niue Increase public awareness of environment and sustainable development principles
STRATEGIC AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT - INFRASTRUCTURE:
Energy
Review and implement Niue Strategic Energy Policy and Action Plan (consistent with the Pacific Plan, Pacific Islands Energy Policy and the outcomes of the 2007 Pacific Energy Ministers Meeting, as appropriate) for energy security to ensure:
Cost effective and sustainable procurement and supply of fuel Efficient energy supply, including power supply and utility management Management of demand focusing on consumption efficiency Increased use of renewable energy and other alternative forms of energy.
Review and implement Strategic Energy Policy and Action Plan by 2010
Conduct studies to examine the impacts of the introduction of more renewable energy into the national power grid by 2009, and to implement findings of the study in 2011.
Working towards grid stability of 20% renewable energy, and other forms of alternative energy to total electricity power supply increased to 20% by 2013.
Carry out studies on the transformers and other distribution systems to identify and rectify losses.
Studies on other forms of renewable energy and its storage system.
Upgrade the underground cable system for 100% underground power distribution
Place remaining High Voltage Aerial Cables underground
Scheduling main overhaul for the generators.
Carry out a tariffs study for the renewable energy component 100% coverage of underground cabling to be completed by 2013 100% coverage of aerial cabling system
Develop strategies to carry out the overhaul here in Niue.
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