Niue is celebrating the knighting of premier Toke Talagi today with free internet and a public holiday.
New Zealand's Governor General has flown to the island to bestow the honour.
RNZI's Sally Round is on Niue and says the main town, Alofi, has been bustling with activity preparing for the investiture which takes place at the fale fono today.
Toke Talagi 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.
Niuean youth are seen as the key to retention and development of Vagahau Niue. Photo: Niue Youth Network
