Toke Talagi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Toke Talagi
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| Premier of Niue | |
| In office 19 June 2008 – 11 June 2020 |
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| Governor-General | Anand Satyanand Jerry Mateparae Patsy Reddy |
| Preceded by | Young Vivian |
| Succeeded by | Dalton Tagelagi |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 19 June 2008 – 11 June 2020 |
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| Premier | Himself |
| Preceded by | Young Vivian |
| Succeeded by | Dalton Tagelagi |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 1 May 2002 – 16 May 2005 |
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| Premier | Young Vivian |
| Succeeded by | Young Vivian |
| Member of the Niue Assembly for Common roll |
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| In office 19 March 1999 – 30 May 2020 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Toke Tufukia Talagi
9 January 1951 Alofi, Niue |
| Died | 15 July 2020 (aged 69) Alofi, Niue |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Emeline Fifitaloa |
| Education | Nelson College Massey University |
Sir Toke Tufukia Talagi (born January 9, 1951 – died July 15, 2020) was an important leader from Niue. He was a politician, a diplomat, and a statesman. Sir Toke served as the Premier of Niue, which is like being the head of government, from 2008 to 2020.
He was first elected to the Niue Assembly in 1999 as an independent member. In 2008, he became Premier after winning the general election. While he was Premier, he also worked as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Before becoming Premier, he was the Minister of Finance from 2002 to 2005. Sir Toke was honored as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2017.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Toke Talagi was born in Alofi, the capital of Niue. He went to Tufukia School in Niue and then to Nelson College in New Zealand. He later studied at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand, where he earned a degree in Agricultural Science.
While at university, he led the Pacific Island Students Association. He helped organize protests against nuclear testing and unfair treatment based on race. After finishing his studies, he returned to Niue.
Working in Niue
Back in Niue, Toke Talagi worked as a livestock development officer. In 1977, he joined the Alofi South Village Council. He also became the president of the Niue Public Service Association.
From 1981 to 1984, he was Niue's first Consul General in Auckland, New Zealand. This role meant he represented Niue in another country. After this, he became the Director for Niue's Economic Affairs Office. He was in charge of big projects to improve Niue's buildings and services. Later, he worked as an agent for airlines and shipping companies. In 1998, he became the president of the Niue Rugby Football Union.
Political Journey
Toke Talagi first tried to get elected to the Niue Assembly in 1996 but was not successful. He won a seat in the 1999 election. Right away, he was made an Associate Minister for economic development and civil aviation.
However, in October 1999, he left his ministerial job. He disagreed with the Premier's plans to start an airline. He then tried to remove the Premier from power. For the rest of that term, he was part of the opposition, meaning he worked against the government's plans.
Minister of Finance
After the 2002 election, Toke Talagi became the Minister of Finance and Tourism. This meant he was in charge of Niue's money and its tourism industry. A few months later, he stopped being the Minister of Tourism. He was also appointed Deputy Prime Minister.
As Finance Minister, he helped manage Niue's recovery after Cyclone Heta. This was a difficult time, and some people criticized how aid money and new houses were given out. In the 2005 election, he almost lost his seat. The final count was a tie, and he won by chance when his name was drawn from a hat. After this, he was not included in the new government's team of ministers.
Becoming Premier of Niue
Toke Talagi was re-elected in the 2008 election. He received the most votes, which showed people wanted a change. On June 19, 2008, he was chosen as Premier. He won against the previous Premier, Young Vivian.
First Term as Premier (2008-2011)
As Premier, Sir Toke made several important changes. He introduced a new tax to help balance the government's budget. He also started official relations with China. He tried to get more control over aid money from New Zealand. When these talks didn't go well, he suggested seeking help from China to get a better deal. His main goal was to help Niue grow and become more financially independent from New Zealand.
In August 2008, Talagi became the head of the Pacific Islands Forum. This is a group of countries in the Pacific. At the Forum meeting in Niue, he focused on climate change and the need for new elections in Fiji. This led to some disagreements with Fiji.
In May 2009, Talagi also co-led a meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan in Hokkaidō.
Second Term as Premier (2011-2014)
Talagi was re-elected Premier after the 2011 election. In his second term, he changed the tax system and started talks with China about free trade. He kept pushing for stronger international action on climate change. He also announced that Niue aimed to get all its electricity from solar power.
In November 2011, Niue became a founding member of the Polynesian Leaders Group. This group works together on things like culture, language, education, climate change, and trade. In 2013, he helped Niueans living in Niue receive their New Zealand retirement payments. In 2014, the Niuean Assembly rejected his idea to house people seeking safety for Australia.
Third Term as Premier (2014-2017)
He was re-elected Premier again after the 2014 election. During his third term, Niue planned to privatize its health system. Niue also celebrated 40 years of self-government. Talagi continued to focus on climate change in his foreign policy. He also started to push for Niue to become a member of the United Nations. In 2015, he became the first Niuean leader to meet the Queen. In 2016, he had to travel to New Zealand twice for medical treatment.
Fourth Term as Premier (2017-2020)
In 2017, he announced he would seek a fourth term as Premier, saying he had "unfinished business." He was re-elected in the 2017 election and again chosen as Premier. In 2017, he had another long stay in Auckland for medical treatment. This caused him to miss the budget vote. His fourth term also saw disagreements with New Zealand over retirement payments and government finances.
In 2019, he spent several more months in Auckland recovering from illness. When he returned, his brother Billy Talagi continued to act as Premier. Towards the end of his term, Niue lost control of its internet domain. Also, an audit report found problems with the government's finances.
Despite these challenges, Talagi decided to run for a fifth term in the 2020 election. He kept a low profile during the campaign and did not win a seat. Dalton Tagelagi replaced him as Premier.
Passing Away
On July 9, 2020, Sir Toke Talagi was flown to New Zealand for treatment of a long-term illness. He passed away at the Niue Foou Hospital in Alofi on July 15, 2020, shortly after returning to Niue.
After his death, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that Talagi would be remembered for his strong dedication to keeping Niue safe and prosperous throughout his life. He was given a state funeral at the Alofi Ekalesia church on July 28, 2020.
Honors and Recognition
In the 2017 New Year Honours, Toke Talagi was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM). He received his knighthood from New Zealand Governor General Patsy Reddy in March 2017. She flew to Niue for the special ceremony. New Zealand Post even released a special stamp to mark the occasion.
In November 2019, Talagi published his autobiography, titled Niue Rising.
Images for kids
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Talagi with his eventual successor Dalton Tagelagi in May 2010
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Talagi in 2011
See also
In Spanish: Toke Talagi para niños
