Kōrero: Niueans

New Zealand and Britain were uneasy about overseas powers jockeying for possession of Pacific territories, and during a visit in October 1900 Lord Ranfurly annexed Niue and the Cook Islands on behalf of the British Crown. The following year Britain gifted both to New Zealand. This image from Lord Ranfurly’s photographic album shows Niueans awaiting the decision of their ariki (tribal leaders) on British annexation. In 1974 Niue became self-governing in free association with New Zealand – an arrangement that provided Niueans with citizenship, but also allowed for independence at some later date.