22 Mar 2017

Arise Sir Toke Talagi

10:40 am on 22 March 2017

Niue's premier Toke Talagi has received his knighthood from New Zealand's Governor General Patsy Reddy.

Niue's Premier Toke Talagi receiving his knighthood from from New Zealand's Governor General Patsy Reddy.

Niue's Premier Toke Talagi receiving his knighthood from from New Zealand's Governor General Patsy Reddy. Photo: RNZI/Sally Round

Dame Patsy flew to the island to bestow the honour.

The special occasion has been marked on Niue with with free internet and a public holiday.

Sir Toke has been premier since 2008 and he's being rewarded for his public service, in recent years overseeing an expansion of Niue's tourism industry.

The premier, who is in ailing health and was twice medivacced to New Zealand last year, is the second of the island's five premiers to receive a knighthood.

Also cited among Toke Talagi's achievements - promoting the Niuean language and education, representing the Pacific region's concerns internationally and playing a crucial role in the establishment of a trust fund to develop Niue's fragile economy.

Full house for Sir Toke's investiture in Niue

Full house for Sir Toke's investiture in Niue Photo: RNZI/Sally Round