Niue Assembly pass the third and final reading of the Bills aimed at amending the Constitution of Niue

At the Niue Assembly meeting yesterday, the Constitution Review Committee presented their final report with the Niue Assembly has successfully passed the third and final reading of the Bills aimed at amending the Constitution of Niue.

In his presentation at the Assembly, Constitution Review Committee, chair-Honourable Billy Talagi said  consultations were conducted  in 13 of the 14 villages, with the village of Makefu being the exception as they had previously provided their views to the CRC. 

They also engaged with the Niue USP Alumni students with Over 200 people participating in these consultations.

Hon.  Talagi highlighted the significance of these discussions, which is the first to be held since 1992. 

The consultations revealed a broad support for the proposed changes, with some varying opinions.

For the first bill “Change of Title from Premier to Prime Minister”, most villages supported this change, suggesting that an appropriate Niuean word for “Prime Minister” be determined. However, some villagers were in favor of retaining the current title.

For the second bill to “Increase Cabinet Ministers”, there was general agreement that if the number of ministers is increased, the role of Members Assisting Ministers should be removed from legislation.  

Some members expressed concern about the feasibility of this change given current public service shortages.

For the third bill on “Extension of Assembly Term from 3 to 4 Years”, some supported this change to align with regional and international practices, allowing more time to complete initiatives while Others recommended a more gradual approach to allow people to adjust to the idea.

For the fourth and final bill to “Amend from Audit Office to Auditor-General”, this change was widely supported as it does not alter the existing requirement for auditing government and public funds.

The third reading of the bill received its two thirds majority in order for the bills to be passed.

Honourable Talagi expressed his gratitude to the villages, the Niue USP Alumni group, Vice-Chair Ms. Kahealani Sinahemana Hekau, CRC members, and the Committee’s secretaries from the Niue Legislative Assembly Department for their dedication and hard work.

Premier of Niue, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi commended the CRC Committee and encouraged the community to participate in the upcoming referendum. 

The next step in the Constitutional Amendments process will be for these amendments to be presented to the public for a final vote in the form of a referendum on the 31st August 2024.In his presentation at the Assembly, Constitution Review Committee, chair-Honourable Billy Talagi said  consultations were conducted  in 13 of the 14 villages, with the village of Makefu being the exception as they had previously provided their views to the CRC. 

They also engaged with the Niue USP Alumni students with Over 200 people participating in these consultations.

Hon.  Talagi highlighted the significance of these discussions, which is the first to be held since 1992. 

The consultations revealed a broad support for the proposed changes, with some varying opinions.

For the first bill “Change of Title from Premier to Prime Minister”, most villages supported this change, suggesting that an appropriate Niuean word for “Prime Minister” be determined. However, some villagers were in favor of retaining the current title.

For the second bill to “Increase Cabinet Ministers”, there was general agreement that if the number of ministers is increased, the role of Members Assisting Ministers should be removed from legislation.  

Some members expressed concern about the feasibility of this change given current public service shortages.

For the third bill on “Extension of Assembly Term from 3 to 4 Years”, some supported this change to align with regional and international practices, allowing more time to complete initiatives while Others recommended a more gradual approach to allow people to adjust to the idea.

For the fourth and final bill to “Amend from Audit Office to Auditor-General”, this change was widely supported as it does not alter the existing requirement for auditing government and public funds.

The third reading of the bill received its two thirds majority in order for the bills to be passed.

Honourable Talagi expressed his gratitude to the villages, the Niue USP Alumni group, Vice-Chair Ms. Kahealani Sinahemana Hekau, CRC members, and the Committee’s secretaries from the Niue Legislative Assembly Department for their dedication and hard work.

Premier of Niue, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi commended the CRC Committee and encouraged the community to participate in the upcoming referendum. 

The next step in the Constitutional Amendments process will be for these amendments to be presented to the public for a final vote in the form of a referendum on the 31st August 2024.