Sea freight from New Zealand is now not expected to reach Niue until after Christmas due to the breakdown of the MV Southern Express ."
The internet site, Niue News, says the vessel lost its rudder earlier this month off New Zealand's Great Barrier Island and alternative shipping had been arranged to take cargo to Niue.
Reef Shipping officials hoped to have the cargo offloaded at Niue a day before Christmas but further delays have meant the freight will not reach the island until December 29.
