Niue Assembly facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Niue Assembly Niue Fono Ekepule
Type
Type	Unicameral
Leadership
Speaker	Hima Douglas Since 11 June 2020
Structure
Seats	20
Political groups	Non-partisan (6)      Village representatives (14)
Elections
Last election	29 April 2023
Meeting place
Alofi
Website
www.gov.nu/parliament

The Niue Assembly or Niue Parliament (Niuean: Niue Fono Ekepule) is like the main decision-making group for the island of Niue. It's where laws are made and important choices for the country are discussed.

There are 20 members in the Assembly. Fourteen of these members represent different villages across Niue. The other six are chosen by everyone on the island. People vote for these members, and they serve for three years. Niue uses a system called the Westminster system of government. This means the Premier (like a prime minister) is chosen by the Assembly members. The government's main team (the Cabinet) is also made up of Assembly members.

How the Niue Assembly Started

The Niue Assembly has a long history! It began as something called the Island Council back in 1915. Over time, this council changed and gained more power. In 1959, it became the Assembly we know today.

The Assembly gained full power to make laws in 1974. This happened when Niue became self-governing. The Assembly building is located in Alofi, the capital of Niue.

The Speaker of the Assembly

The Assembly has a leader called the Speaker. The members of the Assembly choose the Speaker. Interestingly, the Speaker is chosen from outside the group of current members.

If an Assembly member is chosen as Speaker, they must give up their seat. The Speaker's job is to lead the meetings. They do not vote on new laws or decisions.

The current Speaker is Hima Douglas.

How Elections Work in Niue

Elections in Niue use a simple voting system. It's called the "First Past the Post" system. Here's how it works:

• People in each of the fourteen villages vote for one person to represent their village. The person with the most votes wins.
• Everyone on the island also votes for six other members. These six members represent the whole island.

To vote, you must be a citizen of New Zealand. You also need to have lived in Niue for at least three months. To become a candidate (someone who wants to be elected), you must be a voter. You also need to have lived in Niue for at least twelve months.

How Laws Are Made

The Niue Assembly has the power to create new laws. Any member of the Assembly can suggest a new law, which is called a bill. However, there are some special rules:

• If a bill is about money matters, the Assembly needs the Premier's permission to discuss it.
• Bills about criminal law or personal status need a report from the Chief Justice.
• Bills about the public service need a report from the Niue Public Service Commission.
• Bills about Niuean land need a report from a special Commission of Inquiry.

A bill becomes a law once the Assembly votes for it and the Speaker officially approves it. There is no need for a "Royal Assent" from a king or queen.

See also

In Spanish: Asamblea de Niue para niños

• List of speakers of the Niue Assembly