PM visits her ‘second home’ Niue
You can’t be a prime minister all the time. As Jacinda Ardern arrived at her ‘‘second home’’ of Niue yesterday, she also came as a daughter, a sister and aunt.
Her family reunion began before she had even left the plane. Her father Ross, who has been the high commissioner to this tiny Pacific island since 2014 and its police commissioner for years before that, ascended the narrow stairs to greet her and partner Clarke Gayford.
Once on the ground, Ardern walked past the waiting media and into the arms of her sister Louise, mother Laurell and niece.
It’s the first time their whole family has been together in four years, and the joy was evident. Before a proper catchup could begin, protocol had to be observed.
Ardern was challenged by a set of Niuean dancers, and asked why she was there. She responded, in perfect Niuean, that she came in peace. If she knew more of the language, she would have added ‘‘but also in joy’’.
Minister Tamakau Tota Vivian welcomed the New Zealand delegation, on day two of Ardern’s five-day Pacific mission. ‘‘They call you the daughter of Niue because your parents stay here. We are looking forward to something better.’’
Niue Premier Toke Talagi was more serious: he almost immediately began talking about the money Niue still needs from New Zealand to keep its operating budget going. Later, he came out of a bilateral meeting with Ardern with $5 million more for the island’s renewable energy push, as well as $750,000 for roading.
New Zealand was gifted the tiny British colony of Niue at the turn of the 20th century. Since the island gained independence, it has taken care of most of Niue’s diplomatic and defence needs, sending tens of millions in cash, and giving all Niueans Kiwi citizenship.
‘‘In the future, I expect us to generate sufficient funds that we can look after ourselves, as much as we can, so we can stop having to ask New Zealand for helps,’’ Talagi said.
He indicated this was still five to 10 years away. ‘‘I thank New Zealand for understanding.’’
He also said Niue’s population had finally stopped declining. In the bilateral session, he had asked about pension portability, as older Niueans working in New Zealand are eligible for superannuation – so often end up staying there.
Ardern expressed interest in the proposal but made no firm promises. She reiterated the Government’s position that if Niue joined the United Nations as a separate state – it has flirted with the idea – that would risk the Kiwi citizenship of its people.
In her speech, the prime minister said the relationship with Niue was moving on from ‘‘donor receiver’’ to one of real investment partnership, a theme for the day.
Niue’s tourism industry has come a long way, helped by twiceweekly Air New Zealand flights in high season.
‘‘Thank you for torturing [my partner] Clarke by having such an amazing fishing tourism industry that he can’t indulge in today,’’ Ardern said. ‘‘Thank you for always making me feel at home.’’
Her father Ross, whose time as high commissioner is almost up, said it was ‘‘splendid’’ to see his daughter return to Niue as New Zealand’s leader.
‘‘I think she did wonderfully well. It was splendid to be able to watch her, and to send New Zealand’s message across to the Niuean Government.’’
Ardern’s mother, Laurell, said it was ‘‘quite different’’ seeing her daughter here as the prime minister. ‘‘I still haven’t quite got by head around that.’’
Laurell is also the Labour leader’s middle name, a surprise Ross revealed to his wife by showing her Ardern’s birth certificate.
Later, the prime minister headed up the hill to Niue High School, where students – ranging from toddlers to young adults – from all over the island had gathered. They were in high spirits, singing and cheering for Ardern and Gayford.
She gave a brief speech about education and the importance of Niueans returning home after tertiary studies.
Most of her time was devoted to questions and answers. One student asked if she felt the pressure to work harder than men to get ahead in politics. ‘‘I don’t feel the pressure to work harder than men. I just do,’’ Ardern replied, to huge applause.
Another asked about her favourite song. She said these days she listened to a lot of Lorde. There was less reaction than she had expected. ‘‘You don’t like Lorde?’’ she asked incredulously.
In the end, while Ardern is in the ‘‘Realm of New Zealand’’, she’s still 2500km from Auckland. It can’t always be a second home.