Niue
The ETC is not activated in Niue. The ETC is focused on preparedness activities in Pacific Island countries under its Pacific Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) project, led by WFP.
Niue, a single raised coral atoll in the South Pacific, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Though less affected by sea-level rise than low-lying atoll nations, Niue faces increasing risks from coastal erosion, cyclones, droughts, and ocean acidification, which threaten its freshwater supply, food systems, and coastal infrastructure.
Its small population and geographic isolation make disaster preparedness and response particularly challenging. To address these challenges, Niue has adopted the Niue Climate Change Policy and the Joint National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change (JNAP), which focus on building resilience through sustainable development, ecosystem protection, and improved disaster response systems.
Telecommunications in Niue are advancing steadily under Telecom Niue, a government-owned company that is currently implementing four major projects in 2025. These include expanding coverage around key sites, strengthening the network in Alofi, improving service reliability in villages, and laying groundwork for a second island-wide fibre ring. The main focus is on rolling out optical fibre to villages, though progress is challenged by limited manpower and the need for trenching and installation work. On the emergency telecommunications front, Niue’s 2025–2029 National Security Strategy emphasizes the importance of resilient critical infrastructure, disaster planning, and preparedness for climate-related and cyber threats.
The national emergency telecommunications coordination is led by Telecom Niue, while national disaster management is led by the Niue Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
ICT Profile
National Disaster Management Office (NDMO)
Niue does not have a standalone Telecommunications Ministry. Instead, telecommunications services are managed by Telecom Niue Ltd., a state-owned enterprise that was formed from the former Department of Post and Telecommunication. It operates as a private company with the Government of Niue as the sole shareholder.
Telecommunications regulation is managed directly by the Government of Niue
1,821
Niue, a single raised coral atoll in the South Pacific, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Though less affected by sea-level rise than low-lying atoll nations, Niue faces increasing risks from coastal erosion, cyclones, droughts, and ocean acidification, which threaten its freshwater supply, food systems, and coastal infrastructure.
Its small population and geographic isolation make disaster preparedness and response particularly challenging. To address these challenges, Niue has adopted the Niue Climate Change Policy and the Joint National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change (JNAP), which focus on building resilience through sustainable development, ecosystem protection, and improved disaster response systems.
Telecommunications in Niue are advancing steadily under Telecom Niue, a government-owned company that is currently implementing four major projects in 2025. These include expanding coverage around key sites, strengthening the network in Alofi, improving service reliability in villages, and laying groundwork for a second island-wide fibre ring. The main focus is on rolling out optical fibre to villages, though progress is challenged by limited manpower and the need for trenching and installation work. On the emergency telecommunications front, Niue’s 2025–2029 National Security Strategy emphasizes the importance of resilient critical infrastructure, disaster planning, and preparedness for climate-related and cyber threats.
National Emergency Telecommunications Coordination Lead: Telecom Niue
National Disaster Management Lead: Niue Disaster Management Office (NDMO)
New Zealand Dollar (NZ$)
52
35
36
35
54.2
89.9%
Niue’s Joint National Action Plan (JNAP) for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change (2012)
-Purpose: To address vulnerabilities to climate change and disaster risks through a coordinated national strategy.
The JNAP was developed through a consultative process involving government departments, civil society, and regional partners. It outlines goals, implementation strategies, and financing mechanisms to enhance Niue’s disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
Communications Act 1989
-The Niue Communications Act 1989 is the primary legislation governing telecommunications and postal services in Niue.
Purpose
To regulate communications within Niue and between Niue and elsewhere.
Telecommunications
Objectives:
Facilitate the development of communications within Niue and internationally.
Provide public communications services appropriate to Niue’s social, cultural, educational, and economic needs.
Ensure effective control and supervision of public communications programs for community benefit.
Provide reliable and efficient telephone service at reasonable cost.
Licensing:
Public and private communications service licenses, and radio communications licenses are required.
The Cabinet and Director oversee licensing and regulation.
Control:
The Cabinet has authority over transmission and reception installations.
The Director (head of the Telecommunications Department) can issue directions and maintain a schedule of installations.
Content Oversight:
Establishes a Programme Advisory Committee.
The Cabinet can require certain transmissions for public interest.
Regulations:
The Cabinet may make regulations for the administration of telecommunications.
There are no codified drone regulations or a dedicated Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAV) policy in Niue at this time.
-Regional Oversight:
The Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) is the regional body responsible for aviation safety oversight, including drones, for Niue and other Pacific states. PASO has not issued specific drone regulations for Niue. In the absence of local rules, users are advised to follow International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendations.
General Guidelines for Drone Use:
Do not fly over people or large crowds.
Respect privacy when flying.
Do not fly near airports or in areas where aircraft are operating.
Fly only during daylight and in good weather.
Avoid sensitive areas (e.g., government or military facilities).
Permit for Commercial Use: A permit is required for commercial drone operations; recreational use does not require a permit, but general safety rules apply.