Niue Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill for the 2025/2026 Financial Year

The Niue Assembly has passed the Annual Appropriation Bill for the 2025/2026 financial year on Wednesday 18th June 2025.

The Appropriation Bill outlines the Government’s fiscal priorities for the financial year commencing on the 1st July 2025.

The Minister of Finance, Honourable Crossley Tatui, expressed his appreciation for the support received from Members of the Assembly, the Speaker, and government officials. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Finance, Financial Secretary Mrs Doreen Siataga and staff for their continued leadership in managing public finances during a challenging economic environment.

The Assembly appreciated and debated the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report, presented by the Interim Chairperson, Mrs Rhonda Tiakia Tomailuga. The report identified several key budget priorities for 2025/2026 Budget, which include Investment in renewable energy initiatives, critical infrastructure development, and health sector reform; Ongoing commitments to pensions, disability allowances, and hardship subsidies; A call for stronger justification and demonstrated readiness in proposed capital projects, with an emphasis on value-for-money and alignment with national priorities.

The total appropriation approved is $68.1 million, compared to an estimated revenue of $55.6 million, resulting in a fiscal deficit of $12.5 million. While the deficit presents a challenge, it also reflects the Government’s strategic decision to invest in national resilience and long-term wellbeing.

In his address to the Assembly, Minister Tatui supported the PAC’s recommendations and reiterated the need for whole-of-government reforms to address the rising expenditure. He noted a significant increase in government spending compared to the revenue collected, and stressed the importance of improving internal revenue systems across all ministries. Minister Tatui highlighted the increase in expenditure driven by rising costs related to public service remuneration, social welfare obligations, and essential services.

The Minister also drew attention to the rising costs of subsidised services, such as electricity, water, healthcare, and education, and emphasised the urgent need to assess the actual costs associated with maintaining these services across all ministries.

Minister Tatui acknowledged the operation challenges posed by limited human resource capacity within the public service and extended gratitude to New Zealand, Australia, regional and international development partners for their continued support.

“This fiscal report is a reflection of our government’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable future for Niue,” said Minister Tatui. “It is our responsibility to manage the government's finances carefully while continuing to invest in our people, our infrastructure, and the future of our nation.”

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