rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

Situational analysis of drug and alcohol issues and responses in the Pacific
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8.5 Local responses
A key issue for the Government of Niue is
population sustainability. As part of the
program of post-cyclone reconstruction,
the Government of Niue is seeking, in the
long term, to reduce the flow of young
skilled workers from the country, and to
promote tourism as a key sector for economic
development. 467 This focus on youth
is reflected in reported responses to drug and
alcohol issues.
A final report for the Winds of Change program
on alcohol and drugs, conducted in
September 2008, is currently being drafted. 468
The program is a joint initiative of the Youth
Council, and the Niue Departments of Police
and Health. The report will include presentations
given during the three-day program,
including data from the Customs Department
on the quantity of alcohol imported into the
country, and Health Department statistics
on the number of alcohol-related cases. 469
The police have taken a leading role in drug
and alcohol issues, seeking assistance from
the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand
for advice on a response. 470 The Niue
Youth Council also has a pivotal role in the
response to alcohol issues. The National Niue
Youth Policy 2009–2013 includes reducing
alcohol abuse as one of its aims. The Youth
Council hosted the inaugural Youth Ball in
early 2009, an alcohol-free event attended
by 50–60 youth. The Council will also host
the Youth Parliament in August 2009, with
the issue of alcohol consumption to be a
key agenda item.
Legislation
The Crown Law Office is implementing a
three-stage law reform project to promote
good governance and an appropriate review
of laws as part of the Niue Legislative Review.
This project includes: the enactment of the
Interpretation Act 2004; consolidation of
legislation; and reform of two legal subject
areas per year. Since the project began,
Niue has introduced a Financial Intelligence
Unit (FIU) and repealed offshore financial
legislation — Niue no longer offers offshore
financial services. In a further move toward
compliance with international anti-money
laundering regulations, Niue has also enacted
the Misuse of Drugs Act 2007. 471
Previously the relevant legislation for drug
and alcohol issues in Niue included the Misuse
of Drugs Act 1998. The Act extends New
Zealand’s Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 to Niue.
It includes any subordinate legislation made
under the New Zealand Act and is to be read
467 Niue Integrated Strategic Plan 2003–2008 (NISP). Available at: (accessed March 2009); Australian Government
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Niue Country Brief: (accessed March 2009).
468 Personal communication, December 2008; the authors were not able to access the final report
before completion of this document.
469 Natasha Toeono-Tohovaka, Executive Committee Member, Niue Youth Council: information
provided December 2008.
470 Key informant, December 2008.
471 Niue Country Report to PILON meeting, 5–9 December 2008.