Last week Dame Cindy and Dr Davies travelled to Niue to attend the celebrations to mark 50 years of self-government in free association with New Zealand.
At the Fale Fono II, Their Excellencies met members of the Assembly, and Dame Cindy was seated on a Vice-Regal chair gifted by the New Zealand Government. She delivered a Speech from the Throne that outlined the aspirations and programme of the Government of Niue.
The 19th of October, Pule Fakamotu (Constitution Day) brought together the people of Niue, Members of the Assembly, leaders of Pacific nations and members of the Diplomatic Corps for a Flag-Raising Ceremony, the presentation of Niue Awards, and the display of a Galue Fafau, an impressive presentation of traditional raw foods. The day concluded with cultural performances at a Constitution Day concert. You can read Dame Cindy's speech from the very special ceremony via Pule Fakamotu 2024 (Constitution Day Flag Raising) Commemoration speech.
The following day, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended church in the morning and an evening reception at the New Zealand Official Residence, along with Members of the Assembly and the Diplomatic Corps. You can read Dame Cindy's speech from the event via reception for the Diplomatic Corps in Niue speech.
Their final engagement was a church service to celebrate Peniamina Day, which marks the arrival of the first Christian missionary to Niue in 1846. Dame Cindy took the opportunity to reflect on her very special time in Niue – ‘the Rock of the Pacific’.
Photo Credit - Office of the Secretary of Government Niue