Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
New Zealand's Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and her husband, Dr Richard Davies, will travel to Niue on Saturday to represent Aotearoa during celebrations to mark 50 years of Niue's self-government in free association with New Zealand.
Niue is self-governing, but part of New Zealand's realm. Its citizens are NZ citizens, and New Zealand provides it with aid when asked. Niue is one of three New Zealand realm countries - the others being the Cook Islands and Tokelau.
Niue achieved self-governance from New Zealand in 1974.
It will be Dame Cindy's first visit to Niue.
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Dame Cindy will address the Niue Assembly and will join the people of Niue, Pacific leaders and members of the Diplomatic Corps in celebrating Pule Fakamotu or Constitution Day.
Niue's Flag Raising Ceremony will be followed by viewing of a Galue Fafau - a traditional raw food display, and a Constitution Concert in the evening.
There will also be a reception at the New Zealand High Commission, which will provide Dame Cindy with an opportunity to meet with Government Ministers, Pacific leaders and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.
The visit will conclude with a church service on Peniamina Day, which celebrates the arrival of the first Christian missionary in Niue in 1846.
Also this week it is Niue Language Week in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The theme is "Leveki mo e Feaki e Vagahau Niue ma Anoiha - Protect and Nurture Vagahau Niue for the Future".
Earlier this year, Niue held a referendum on four bills, with two passed for name changes only.
These were changing the title of Premier to Prime Minister; and changing the name of the Audit Office to the Auditor General.
The unsuccessful bills were to increase the number of ministers in the Cabinet from four to six, and to increase the term of the Niue Assembly from three to four years.
Last month, the Niue government unveiled its new website in celebration of 50 years of self-governance.
Prime Minister Dalton Tagelegi said Niue's new website features the island's history and the members of their Assembly, as well as news updates.
