The island of Niue is located in Polynesia, east of Tonga and northeast of New Zealand. Niue is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, an arrangement dating from October 1974. Niue celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Constitution Day in 2024.
Niue faces economic challenges common to small island states within the region. These include geographic isolation, limited natural resources, high operating costs and a small population. Cyclones occasionally devastate the island's infrastructure, including housing and tourist facilities. The tourism industry is a vital sector in the economy. Tourism revenue, accounting for 90 per cent of pre-pandemic independent revenue, collapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic and is recovering slowly.
Australia and Niue established diplomatic relations on 27 February 2013, with Australia's High Commissioner in Wellington appointed as non-resident High Commissioner to Niue. Australia established a High Commission in Alofi in August 2020 with a resident High Commissioner. Australia and Niue enjoy a friendly relationship through strong people-to-people links and close cooperation on development priorities.
In 2024-25, the Niue-Australia Development Program included AUD1.5 million in bilateral Official Development Assistane. Australia provided additional funding of AUD2 million to support the remediation of the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue’s (BCN) studio after suffering structural damage. Previously, Australia's bilateral aid to Niue was delivered by New Zealand through a Delegated Cooperation Arrangement (AUD10.9 million over 2014-2022).
Australian High Commission, Alofi
Tapeu-Porritt Road
Alofi
Phone: +683 4173
Email: ahcniue@dfat.gov.au
For more information on Australia and Niue’s diplomatic relations, see the DFAT website.