Niue Assembly passes the First Reading of Appropriation (Annual) Bill 2025-2026

The Niue Assembly has successfully passed the first reading of the Appropriation (Annual) Bill 2025/2026 during its sitting on Wednesday 7 May 2025.

The Niue Assembly has successfully passed the first reading of the Appropriation (Annual) Bill 2025/2026 during its sitting on Wednesday 7 May 2025. The bill was presented by the Minister for the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Crossley Tatui.

The 2025/2026 Budget has been designed to support and strengthen the nation across several key areas, including reforms and transformation, investment and infrastructure development, finance and economic management, public-private sector partnerships, environmental sustainability and climate change action, and the advancement of people’s well-being and development.

“This budget incorporates the lessons of the past and charts a responsible and forward-looking course for the new fiscal year,” said Hon. Crossley Tatui.

The budget highlighted the ongoing need for sustainable asset management, noting that the total replacement value of Niue’s national assets is approximately NZD $200 million. The per capita cost of maintaining these assets is currently three times higher than that of New Zealand. An additional NZD of $5 million will be required to support maintenance and development needs for the upcoming fiscal period.

It also covered key infrastructure projects of national significance already approved and currently underway which include the Renewable Energy Project, Huihui Asset Management Site and New Court Building funded by New Zealand, the Water System Strengthening Project funded by Australia, and the Civil and Quarry Machinery Replacement funded by Japan and China.

New initiatives outlined in the bill focus on strengthening public-private partnerships, addressing local cost components of renewable energy and judiciary infrastructure, and included the introduction of the Niue Superannuation Provident Fund.

Minister Tatui reaffirmed the government’s overarching vision, stating “The government reaffirms its commitment to building Niue’s sustainability and resilience in accordance with the spirit of the Niue Constitution, its laws, policies, decisions, and actions. This commitment complements the ongoing partnership with all the key sectors of our beloved Niue. I acknowledge the support and assistance by our development partners whose commitment to our efforts and aspirations remain solid and growing.”

The Appropriation Bill will now be referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for review before being brought back to the House of Assembly for its second and final reading.

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