Niuean common roll candidates vying of a seat in the Niue Assembly on the campaign trail at Tuapa Uhomotu village. 24 April 2026
Photo: Facebook / Gustava Esther Pavihi
- Niue, with an estimated population of under 1700, is part of the Realm of New Zealand.
- A total of 44 candidates are vying for 20 seats in the Niue Assembly.
- Expensive groceries, rising fuel prices, and frequent power outages are the primary concerns for voters.
Niueans will head to the polls on Saturday (Sunday NZT), with the cost of living looming large.
PMN Niue reports that expensive groceries, rising fuel prices, and frequent electricity outages are the primary concerns for voters.
Niue, which is part of the Realm of New Zealand, is located 2400km northeast of Aotearoa. It has an estimated population of under 1700 people – and just over 1100 registered voters.
The self-governing island holds elections every three years, with the last one held in April 2023.
In the 20-member Niue Assembly, there are six common roll members and 14 village representatives.
There are 26 candidates contesting for village representatives seats, while 18 candidates are vying for the common roll seats.
In four villages, Alofi North (Tutuli Heka), Hakupu (Richie Mautama), Namukulu (Silepea Sione), and Vaiea (Talaititama Talaiti), candidates have already been elected unopposed, while the remaining 10 villages will head to the polls.
The members of the Niue Assembly elect a Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister selects his three Cabinet ministers.
Petrol prices rose in early April, with the Niue government saying it held prices steady for six months to support households, but the adjustment was necessary to ensure supply stability.
Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi is contesting his village seat of Alofi South. He has acknowledged the challenges facing Niue.
