The Niuean Christchurch community celebrated 50-years of self-governance with New Zealand. Photo: Josiah Tualamali'i
The Niuean Christchurch community celebrated 50 years of self-governance with New Zealand, and there are hopes it will be a springboard for future events.
Riki Welsh said the Niuean community in Christchurch had existed for decades, but there had never been a lot of unity.
He and other members of the community wanted to change this and got organised for the official commemoration of Niue's 50 years of self-governance, which happened earlier in the month.
Niue gained self-governance on 3 September 1974 and now exists as a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand.
Welsh said the community was given NZ$20,000 for community development through the Rātā Foundation; $8500 went towards the constitution celebration, and the remaining money has been put aside to build a permanent entity.
Over 200 people attended the celebration day at Pacific Islanders' Presbyterian Church, which included a church service, feast, and a chance for families to share stories and cultural performances.
Niue gained self-governance on 3 September 1974 and now exists as a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand. Photo: Josiah Tualamali'i
It was supported by other Pacific communities, Welsh said.
"It was lovely to have the Samoan community, Cook Islands, Tongan, [and] all the other communities get up and acknowledge it's good to have the Christchurch Niuean's finally on board enjoying the celebration because we're sort of the last ones to join the ranks.
"[We're] hoping to use the momentum from this to keep it going and be the catalyst to make something happen."
The community is meeting next month to figure out what type of organisation the community wants to establish in Christchurch.
Welsh said it may be a charitable trust or an incorporated society.
