Niue 1774–1974: 200 years of contact and change

In her groundbreaking new book Niue 1774–1974: 200 years of contact and change author Margaret Pointer weaves in-depth research, oral history and a wealth of illustrative material to bring to life the story of Niue. 

Details below.

Author, Margaret Pointer is appearing at Auckland Writers Festival, Sat 16 May 10.30-12, with Damon Salesa leading the discussion

http://writersfestival.co.nz/events/tiny-niue/

Niue’s Story: what took place on ‘Savage Island’?

Niue is one of the least documented countries in the south Pacific. It is a mystery to many of us: a tiny island, out on its own, far from the main shipping routes.

In her groundbreaking new book Niue 1774–1974: 200 years of contact and change author Margaret Pointer weaves in-depth research, oral history and a wealth of illustrative material to bring to life the story of Niue. This is the first fully documented account of this most isolated Pacific nation.

‘In many ways,’ says author Margaret Pointer, ‘Niuean history reflects the main themes of Pacific history: European exploration and discovery, missionaries and the introduction of Christianity, whalers and traders and settlers with their money and their diseases, imperial rivalry and colonial rule, decolonisation and self-determination.

‘However, events often played out differently in Niue because of the isolation, the difficulty of access to the island, and the small population the island was capable of supporting.’

The island was part of New Zealand territory for 74 years. Niue and New Zealand are close: Niueans are a significant group within our population, the culture of Niue is something we celebrate.

‘Yet Niue itself has long been overlooked,’ says Pointer, ‘it is misspelt, misplaced (we don’t know where it is), and misunderstood. For a long time officials in Wellington failed to recognise Niue as an island in its own right but instead folded it into the Cook Islands.’

Niue 1774–1974: 200 years of contact and change places Niue centre stage. The fascinating history of Nukututaha, the island that stands alone, is brought to life in this entertaining and highly readable account.  The rich array of images, many of which have never been seen before, are also filled with fascinating detail.

Niue 1774–1974

200 years of contact and change

By Margaret Pointer

Release Date: March 2015

ISBN 978-1-877578-95-3, $50

www.otago.ac.nz/press