Niue MP Terry Coe Photo: Supplied
Terry Coe has just ended a political career in Niue that stretched back 30 years.
He lost his commoner's seat in the election on April 29, ranking eighth on the roll, with only the top six making the cut.
But Coe, who is 80, said he feels great about it and so does his wife, who's currently in New Zealand for medical treatment.
"She's happy and I'm happy. We knew it could go either way. And so, that's good. We respect the voters' choice," he said.
Coe still hopes the new government, which will again be headed by Dalton Tagelagi, will look closely at the issues he focused on during the election campaign.
These include returning public servants to working five days a week, and also moving the country to the other side of the International Dateline, so it is in the same sequence as New Zealand.
His years in parliament saw him regularly tangle with administrations in a country where leaders usually get a free ride.
Coe did spend six years in the cabinet but otherwise was in opposition - a role he enjoyed.
"I liked that opportunity to ask the questions and put motions to the House. Even though I don't win them, it's still good to put them in and to try and extract the reasoning from the other side, one way or the other, whether they approve of it or they don't and their reasoning, because that's important in debate in the House," he said.
Despite being the only palagi in the House he said he was always well looked after.
"It's been very good. I've always had the interpreter there to help. And there's others that utilise that service as well, even though they're Niuean. And just to see what is being spoken in English, it's good. I've always appreciated the extra effort that they've put in to allow me."
Coe moved from New Zealand to Niue in 1967, initially working as a mechanic, and ending up looking after machinery being used on the island's airport development.
He stayed for four years but returned in 1981 as a training officer for the Public Works, work that ended when the government decided it had too many apprentices.
Next, Coe turned up at Niue High School as the industrial arts teacher, a job that soon led to him becoming the school's principal.
In 1993 he entered parliament and when he was asked what the highlights have been, he said Niue is a "very nice place and the people are very friendly. And I appreciate that. I think even today and last week, people have come around and thanked me for what I've done".
"They're sorry to hear my voice not being on the TV or the radio. And I think that's the best thing. You are happy with what you've done and what the people think of you. I appreciate that."
And now he will continue to repair tools, just small ones like lawnmowers and brush cutters. Coe said he doesn't want to repair motor vehicles anymore. And he is enjoying working with the Niue Yacht Club to install mooring buoys for visiting yachts, ensuring they are up to standard.
Coe said a fleet of about 15 yachts is due soon and then followed by a similar sized fleet two weeks later - both of which he said would be a boon to the island's economy.
Photo: Supplied / Niue Tourism / Gaye Wood
