Niue's premier Sir Toke Talagi says he wants to seek another term as the country's leader as he has unfinished business to see to.
Sir Toke Talagi Photo: RNZI/Sally Round
Sir Toke made the announcement he would stand in this year's election and for a fourth term as premier after being conferred with his knighthood yesterday at Niue's fale fono.
New Zealand's Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy flew to Niue for the occasion, as part of a tour of New Zealand's Realm countries.
Sir Toke said there was more to do to develop tourism and other businesses like the export of water, as well as continuing his quest for Niue to have a separate seat at the United Nations.
"You've got to allow us to be part of this group, otherwise we're only there hanging on. This is not something that we say this year is going to happen, (or) next year."
"This is something that will continue to engage both the New Zealand government and the Niue government," he said.
Sir Toke said the Niue - New Zealand relationship was much better than it was five to ten years ago.
He said it was in large part due to Foreign Minister Murray McCully and the former prime minister John Key.
"They recognise the fact that you cannot continue to treat us like kids and I've said well if you're going to do that you might as well come and run this country and I'll go home."
Sir Toke is congratulated by family and friends Photo: RNZI/Sally Round