History of Niue

Niue lost around 4% of its population in World War I as 150 Niuean men were sent to France under the New Zealand army, of which nearly none returned.

Since then, the island has been shrinking in population from emigration due to frequent devastating natural disasters and lack of economic opportunities.

Captain James Cook was the first European to sight the island, but he was unable to land there due to fierce opposition by the local population.

Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the Cook Islands, caused it to be separately administered.

During World War I, 148 Niuean men (4% of the island's population) served as soldiers in the New Zealand armed forces.

[7] Niue gained its autonomy in 1974 in free association with New Zealand, which handles the island's military and foreign affairs.

Soon afterwards, Niue Premier Young Vivian categorically rejected the possibility of altering the existing relationship with New Zealand.