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Niue is an island located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is commonly known as "Rock of Polynesia". Although it is self-governing, it is in free association with New Zealand. Niue is located 2,400 kilometres north-east of New Zealand in a triangle between Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands.
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Main article: History of Niue
European involvement in Niue began in 1774 with Captain James Cook's sighting (landing was refused) of what he named Savage Island.
The next major arrival was the London Missionary Society in 1846. Briefly a protectorate, the UK's involvement was passed on in 1901 when New Zealand annexed the island. Independence in the form of self-government was granted by the New Zealand parliament in the 1974 constitution.
In January, 2004, Niue was hit by the fierce tropical storm Politics of Niue
The Niue Constitution Act 1974 (NZ) vests executive authority in Her Majesty the Queen in Right of New Zealand and the Governor-General of New Zealand. In practice, the constitution specifies that in everyday practice, it is exercised by a Cabinet of the Culture of Niue
Niue is an island of a tropical climate located in the southern Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga. It is one of world's largest coral islands. The terrain of Niue consists of steep limestone cliffs along the coast with a central plateau. Most rainfall occurs between November and April.
The geographic cordinates of Niue are 19° 02′ S, 169° 52′ W.
Niue has been self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for foreign affairs and defence; however, these responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue. Niue has no regular indigenous military forces.