The Queen’s Baton Relay spent two days in Niue from the 3 March, which marked the halfway point of the Baton’s epic journey around all 72 Commonwealth nations and territories.
The Niue Council of Women were the first people on the Pacific Island to receive the Baton, at Makini Hall in Alofi. The women, dressed in blue-patterned dresses with floral headpieces and necklaces, welcomed the Baton with joyful singing. The Baton was displayed on a table in the centre of the room, surrounded by local handicrafts.
Next to receive the Baton were Niue Primary School children at Utoko Reef, where, donning traditional Niuean clothing, they performed a Meke dance, which is a Takalo welcome by a group of Toa Niue Warriors. Perry, Birmingham 2022’s mascot cruised in the shallow waters in a miniature waka (a Niuean canoe).
Some of the children are also part of the Toa Niue Ma Anoiha group (Niue Warriors for the Future), who are passionate students who want to save the Pacific and the world from climate change. The children then processed to Paliati Grounds, a multi-use stadium.
Throughout the day, all 228 students from the school took on the Baton and became a Batonbearer. Feuina Tukuitoga Viviani was chosen as the final Batonbearer from the school as her mother comes from the Cook Islands, which is fitting, as the nation will be the next to take on the Relay.
The day ended with a visit to Niue Chamber of Commerce.
On the second day, the Baton was taken to Niue Geriatric Unit, Niue Foou Hospital, and the Commercial Centre, where members of the island community were able to celebrate the Relay.
All the ladies of Niue gathered to host an early International Women’s Day celebration, with the Baton present.
Finally, the Baton visited Fatiau Tuai, the historic abandoned village, which became the 11th village on the island in the 19th century. However, due to the health and wellbeing of the community members, the population was moved to a new location in the 1940’s, leaving the village deserted.
