Niue’s villages are the focus of Internet Niue’s current sponsorship programme. The IUSN Foundation that funds Internet Niue presents a $500 grant to each village council at the village’s annual show day. Foundation chief executive Per Darnell says the wifi service is free to villagers, but transmitters are normally hosted on land or buildings under … Read more …
What's Hot?
Speaking up for the Pacific
20 April 2013Internet Niue and its service provider RockET Systems have been speaking up in international forums on behalf of internet users in Niue and the wider Pacific. RockET director Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui says it’s important that the global internet community is constantly reminded of the internet access issues faced by small Pacific Islands. “Satellite connections such as … Read more …
Linking with our Pacific friends
22 November 2012Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui, director of Internet Niue’s service provider RockET Systems Limited, has been elected to the board of the Pacific Islands Chapter of the world-wide Internet Society (PICISOC). He will also serve as PICISOC secretary for two years. The chapter, which represents the interests of Oceania-Pacific internet users, seeks to provide impartial and relevant advice … Read more …
Fascinating Niue
Cyclone recovery
Photo: Te Ara
The tropical cyclones that hit Niue once every 7-10 years are part of a pattern of damage and restoration that has been part of life in the South Pacific for time immemorial.
Crops are damaged by wind and salt spray, boats and buildings are wrecked, plantations destroyed and water supplies may be contaminated.
Food crops normally take from eight-18 months to recover depending on the extent of the damage, while tree crops may take nearly a decade to fully recover – just in time for the next cyclone to hit.
In historical times, the loss of crops, salt contamination and the destruction of fishing gear would have led to widespread famine. These days, food and reconstruction aid from New Zealand, Australia and other Pacific countries ensures that no-one starves. However recent large cyclones have driven many people to emigrate to New Zealand and Australia.
Source: Hurricanes and socio-economic development on Niue Island, by Judith C Barker. Victoria University of Wellington, 2000.
