World Country Guide

Social Profile

Food & Drink
Many ceremonies and social events stem from the processing of food. One community ritual is based on the extraction of nu pia starch from arrowroot, which is used in traditional dishes and soups and often given as a gift. Another ritualised ceremony surrounds ti root, which is made into a sweet drink or eaten as a sweet with coconuts. The luku fern is another indigenous plant used in Niuean cooking and is boiled, stir-fried or baked in an earth oven with coconut cream and chicken or corned beef. Other popular foods include taro, kumara, coconuts, pawpaw, bananas, tomatoes, capsicum and many varieties of yam. Restaurants in Niue include the Matavai Resort and Sails Restaurant. Jenna's is open for dinner but bookings are required. Lunch is available at Taki’s Cafe and Tavana’s Snack Bar. Restaurants do not have service charge or tax.
Note: Some establishments were put out of business by cyclone Heta in 2004. This information is subject to change.

Nightlife
There are a number of enjoyable nightclubs. Hakupu Village also hosts a traditional cultural night once a week beginning with a tour of the village, followed by a traditional feast with dancing and singing (advance booking is recommended).

Shopping
Niuean women are especially regarded for the quality of their weaving, producing hats, baskets, handbags and mats from indigenous plants, such as pandanus, which make excellent buys for the visitor. These are available to visitors at Hinapoto Handcrafts at the Cultural Centre but can also be found at village show days. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0800-1600. There are generally one or two small stores in most villages around the island which are open in the evenings and during weekends.

Special Events
Every month sees a traditional haircutting and ear-piercing ceremony held in various locations in Niue. However, prior permission must be sought. For a complete list of special events, contact Niue Tourism Office (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Niue in 2005:
Jan Takai Week; Show Day, Alofi South Village. May Makefu Village Show Day. Jun Hakupu Atua Annual Show Day; Queen’s Birthday Golf Ambrose Tournament. Jul Alofi South Show Day. Jul/Aug Cricket Season. Aug Lakepa Village Show Day; Tamakautoga Show Day. Sep Tuapa Village Show Day; Alofi North Village Annual Show Day; Westpac Rally of the Rock. Oct Annual Constitution Golf Tournament; Avatele Village Show Day; Mutalau Village Show Day; Constitution Day Celebrations; Sports Expo. Nov Annual Golf Championship. Dec 30 Liku Village Annual Show Day.

Social Conventions
Niuean children are bestowed with gifts of money or handmade mats and cloths from their relatives upon coming of age, when girls have their ears pierced and boys receive their first haircut. It is polite to ask permission before entering private land. Niueans consider Sunday as a serious day of rest and most attend church both in the morning and afternoon. While many people play golf, go swimming or sightsee, certain activities, such as boating and fishing, are not allowed on Sunday. For further information on Sunday protocol, contact the Niue Tourism Office (see Contact Addresses section). Clothing is usually casual, cool and comfortable but women often wear a hat and cover their shoulders for church and men wear long trousers. Swimming attire is not acceptable in towns or villages. Tipping: Not encouraged.