9 Oct 2018

Niue to skip NZ flag & anthem during Constitution Day

From , 5:04 am on 9 October 2018

Niue won't raise the New Zealand flag or sing its anthem during constitution day celebrations later this month, in an unusual move an MP says has emerged from a tiff between the two countries. 

Niue will mark its 44th year of independence on October 19, with New Zealand's High Commissioner expected to attend. 

Opposition MP Terry Coe says the decision to only raise the Niuean flag and sing the Niuean anthem is politically divisive and comes amid concerns over Niue's auditing processes. 

He told Mackenzie Smith it was first raised in Parliament on Wednesday last week. 

Niue premier Sir Toke Talagi was conferred with his knighthood in March 2017 on Niue by NZ Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy

Niue premier Sir Toke Talagi was conferred with his knighthood in March 2017 on Niue by NZ Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy Photo: RNZI/Sally Round