Launch of new nautical chart of Niue and Beveridge Reef, NU131

The government today launched NU131, the new nautical chart of Niue and Beveridge Reef, organised by the Maritime office of the Department of Transport and the Department of Justice, Lands and Survey. This is the first official chart of Beveridge Reef published as NU131 replacing NZ845 which was published in 2009.

A government release this afternoon announced the launch of the official chart. The nautical chart NU131 was published in April this year by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information NZ, Niue’s primary charting Authority.

The modernisation of this new nautical chart for Niue was made possible through the assistance of the Pacific Navigation Initiative, a project funded by the NZ Aid programme which focuses on navigation-related aspects of maritime safety.

The Minister of Ministry of Infrastructure Hon Crossley Tatui acknowledged the Government of New Zealand NZAid Programme for funding the nautical charts and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand for their technical expertise. 

Minister Tatui says that “NU131 will certainly help protect the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area and the Beveridge Reef Nukutulueatama Special Management Area” a commitment of 40 per cent of Niue’s exclusive economic zone as a marine protected area.

 “Niue’s International cooperation in hydrography aligns with our Niue National Strategic Plan 2016-2026 to provide and maintain safe, secure and reliable transport infrastructure and services at international standards and prepared to respond to national disasters and emergencies” says the minister.

Nautical charts are necessary for safe navigation, and helps Niue meet its obligations under international maritime regulations.

At the launch today, Charts were distributed to the Department of Transport, Department of Justice, Lands and Survey, Niue Police, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and other relevant stakeholders.