About the Niue Wharf Feasibility Study

The redevelopment of Sir Robert’s Wharf is Niue’s highest infrastructure priority, essential to the nation’s connectivity, resilience, and sustainable growth. As Niue’s only operational wharf, it is the lifeline for supplying goods, fuel, supporting trade and tourism as well as emergency response. It is also a community asset enjoyed for social activities. The Niue Wharf Feasibility Study is a joint project between the Government of Niue and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). It builds on the 2019 pre-feasibility assessment to determine the best way forward for a safe, reliable, and resilient wharf.

What the Study involves
The Study has three main stages:

1. Planning: Review of past reports and gathering of information to inform the options appraisal.

2. Investigations and options assessment: Collection of new technical and environmental data to inform assessments. The options assessment will be undertaken collaboratively with user groups, and the wider community will be consulted. Together, this input will combine local knowledge into practical solutions that are environmentally responsible and socially supported. A contractor will also work alongside the design team that construction methods and logistics are included.

3. Design and recommendations: If a preferred option is agreed, the team will prepare preliminary engineering designs and costings. Guidance on funding along with design development and construction requirements will be key outputs so that the preferred solution can be progressed.

Community involvement
Your input is important. Throughout the project, the study team will talk with government departments, village councils, businesses, and community groups. We want to hear your views to make sure the final recommendations reflect what matters most to the local community.

What will be delivered

By the end of the Study, the Government of Niue and MFAT will have:

  1. A clear picture of the current state of the wharf.
  2. Critical appraisal of development options and a clear recommendation on a preferred solution that supports Niue’s future.
  3. Engineering designs, costings, along with guidance on funding, design development and construction requirements for the preferred solution.

Next steps
The investigations are underway. The options assessment will run until the middle of 2026, during this time, there will be opportunities for you to share your knowledge and ideas. Your participation will help shape a wharf that serves Niue well into the future.