26 Oct 2004

NZ premier to visit Niue to reaffirm support

8:22 am on 26 October 2004

The New Zealand prime minister, Helen Clark, is to sign an agreement this weekend to reaffirm the country's special relationship with Niue.

Niue, which will celebrate 30 years of self-government, has had an arrangement of free association with New Zealand since 1974.

The memorandum of arrangement to be signed also covers a strengthened co-operation programme aimed at achieving economic viability for Niue.

During her visit, Miss Clark will attend a special gathering on the preservation and enhancement of Niue's culture and hold talks with Niue's premier, Young Vivian.