8th Monday, October 2005

Niue:  Air New Zealand’s Newest Destination

Premier Young Vivian and General Manager, Norm Thompson

signing an agreement between the two parties.

After months of speculations and discussions on air services for Niue, Premier Hon Young Vivian finally made the much awaited announcement to mark the successful conclusion of the negotiations with Air New Zealand.  The Premier was understandably ecstatic with a big grin on his face said, “This is an important milestone for Niue and it is one that gives hope for my small nation, particularly our drive towards economic prosperity and maintaining our link with our people abroad”.

Air New Zealand will commence its services for Niue from November 4, 2005 and utilizing a 136 seat Boeing 737-300 in an economy class configuration.   The service will be a dedicated direct service and will operate on a weekly basis from Auckland to Niue on Friday nights departing at 10pm.   On the return leg, the flight will depart Niue on Friday morning at 2.40am and arriving Auckland on Saturday 6.40am, after crossing the international dateline once again.  Airfares will commence from $259 one way plus applicable taxes and levies. 

“Air New Zealand is committed to provide air services for Niue and will work closely with the Niue Government to promote Niue as an attractive destination,”  said the General Manager, Marketing, Network and Sales of the Air New Zealand Group, Norm Thompson.  “With the attractive airfares, we are hoping that the 20,000 Niueans abroad will be able to travel to their island, reestablish their links with their country and families, and to growing the country into a boutique tourism market,” added Mr Thompson.  “The service is initially for one year with a review to take place at that time.” 

The batting team for Niue: Gareth Smith and Tom Wilson [MFAT, NZ]

Ms Josie Tamate [Niue] thanks guys!

Premier Vivian is very pleased with the outcome of the airline discussions and would like to acknowledge the generous and invaluable assistance provided by the New Zealand Government throughout the process.  “I am absolutely delighted with this outcome and we look forward to enjoying the services that the airline will provide.  It was not an easy process but I am very pleased that we have reached a fruitful and satisfying conclusion,” said Premier Vivian.  “The next challenge for us is to fill up the plane and I believe that we are heading for some interesting times ahead of us”.

Niue’s geographic location in the vastness of the South Pacific Ocean has always presented challenges in the logistics of providing the small island state with consistent means of shipping and air services. The pioneering air services from Niue’s Pacific neighbours Samoa, Tonga and Nauru in the past 35 years have kept the island abreast of air travel but this is the first time that a major airline has taken an interest in coming to Niue.

“The significant factor in this development,” explained Premier Vivian, “is that in the past 30 years the airfares have been so exorbitant compared to other destinations [except for Air Nauru’s special fares] that our people found it difficult to afford a return trip home. The bridge building exercise that we have initiated will be strengthened by this affordable fare package that we have been offered, and I am hoping that our Niueans abroad will respond by coming home to visit and perhaps to stay.”  

While Mrs Lofa Rex [General Manager of Island Hopper and Niue Tourism Director Mrs Ida Hekesi are euphoric about the expectations in increased tourist numbers from New Zealand, the local Niueans are guarded, if not skeptical, about the new air services arrangement. “We dare not hope that the proposed air fares are really that cheap,” said one market vendor. “Tell me again when you work out how much we have to pay and I guarantee I will sing our National Anthem louder in next Friday’s flag raising event.”

With Niue as Air New Zealand’s newest destination the traveling public and the local businesses will stand to gain the most. This will give the locals excellent opportunities to substantially increase their income base through accommodation capacities, tour guides to service tourist sites, private sector businesses will need to be revitalised, and ample scope for traditional arts and crafts to be expanded and take advantage of the tourist dollars. But it is more important for our people, both here and overseas, to patronize the new air service, because if the venture proves to be uneconomic to Air New Zealand we will be the eventual losers.    

Public Relations Office

PREMIER’S DEPARTMENT