The planned justice facility aims to strengthen Niue's judicial infrastructure
Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters announced that the New Zealand has committed to assisting Niue in designing and constructing a new justice building in the capital, Alofi.
The initiative was revealed during Niuean Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi’s visit to New Zealand this week. During his visit, Tagelagi engaged in high-level meetings with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Foreign Affairs Minister Peters, Defence Minister Judith Collins, and Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk. The discussions reinforced the longstanding free association relationship between the two countries.
Peters emphasised that Niue's progress is closely linked to the broader Pacific region and reiterated New Zealand's commitment to supporting its development as a Realm partner. He noted that New Zealand has played a long-standing role in assisting Niue across various sectors, reflecting a deep and cooperative relationship between the two nations. According to Peters, this partnership is built on mutual trust and shared aspirations, particularly in areas that contribute to Niue’s long-term stability and self-sufficiency. He expressed confidence that continued collaboration would help both countries achieve common objectives, including strengthening resilience, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainable development in Niue.
The planned justice facility aims to strengthen Niue’s judicial infrastructure, ensuring that legal services remain accessible to all residents. Peters described the project as a tangible demonstration of New Zealand’s support for Niue. “The new justice building ensures access to judicial services for all Niueans for years to come," Peters said in a press release.
In addition to the justice building project, New Zealand also announced support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Niue. A new partnership between Business Link Pacific (BLP) and the Niue Development Bank (NDB) will provide eligible SMEs with loans at reduced interest rates. Businesses will also receive subsidised advisory support to assist with loan applications.
Funding for both the justice building and the SME initiative will be sourced from New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation programme. The exact financial contribution from New Zealand has yet to be determined.
