Improving
Niue’s roads, investment in education and health, Concerns over the most recent
audit report from the New Zealand Auditor General and more engagement and
empowerment of youths.

These have been
some of the main issues raised and discussed by Common Roll candidates during a
Q and A session held at the USP Niue campus last night.

Common Roll
candidates included Mark Blumsky, Young Vivian, O’love Jacobsen, Kenneth Green,
Stanley Kalauni, Ida Hekesi, Catherine Papani, Togia Sioneholo, Terry Coe,
Richard Hipa and Alana Fiafia Rex.

Each
candidate used the platform to share their individual manifesto.

84-year-old
Former Premier Young Vivian spoke about Covid 19 and its impact on the country’s
tourism.

He claimed
that the worst is yet to come and the need for Niue to improve its health and
response capacity.

Vivian
emphasized the importance of returning to traditional resources and not relying
to heavily on New Zealand.

Former
Wellington Mayor Mark Blumsky highlighted concerns over Niue’s recent audit
reports tabled in Parliament stating that it was a reputational risk for Niue.

Blumsky
stated that Niue needs to know how important donors are and how poor it looks
when accountability and transparency are not followed.

He also
highlighted that apart from Tourism being a key sector, agriculture is a major potential
for generating revenue particularly hydroponics, drawing on his experiences of a
hydroponics business on the island.

Blumsky said
he knows there is a big market in New Zealand as Niue’s herbs are in demand and
could be a lucrative commodity for Niue.

Another
Common Roll candidate, Catherine Papani emphasized that actions speak louder
than words when it comes to leadership and service to the people which she
aspires to do if elected to Parliament.

Papani said
she aims to improve Niue’s standing and improve infrastructure and strengthen
the private sector.

She said
there needs to be a level playing field with the State-Owned Enterprises and
the private sector which usually compete in an already small country.

One of the
youngest candidates Kenneth Green said he is advocating for more youth
participation in politics, proposing for two common roll seats to be reserved
for youths.

He said he
also aims to do more for the advancement and empowerment of youths through more
engagement in various avenues.

Participants
also had the opportunity to ask the candidates directly about various issues.