Niue Fakahoamotu Nukutuluea Motutefua Nukututaha: Critical Discussions of Niue History in and Beyond Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Bringing together Niue scholars, creatives and thinkers from various disciplines and fields, this article is the culmination of two conference roundtables, a history panel, and multiple ongoing discussions about critically engaging with and contributing to Niue knowledge in academia. From different standpoints we each explore the vastness of Niue history through lenses that centre, privilege and uphold aga fakaNiue (Niue lifestyle, ways, culture) through cultural values and principles, tāoga (that which is treasured or prized), metaphor and approaches. Engaging in these spaces as tau tagata Niue (Niue people) is inevitably marked by Niue’s connections to Aotearoa and the wider Pacific. While our work may challenge dominant narratives by non-Niue people, we use this space to ask questions that are important to us and to the Niue communities we serve. What counts as Niue history? As tagata Niue how do we see ourselves in our academic and creative work? Who does Niue knowledge and history belong to? How do we make the places where Niue knowledge exists more accessible to the growing Niue populations in and beyond Aotearoa, whilst still maintaining strong connections to Niue? What is the place of Niue history in New Zealand history?