Pacific / Niue

Niue Govt facing no confidence motion

14:20 pm on 21 March 2022

Niue opposition MP Terry Coe has tabled a notice for a vote of no confidence in the government of Dalton Tagelagi.

There are four members supporting the motion in the 20 member Fono, and the Speaker, Hima Takelesi, has set it to be heard this Tuesday Niue time.

In the wake of Niue last week receiving its first case of Covid-19 Mr Coe said he thinks government plans to open up to international travel are premature.

Mr Coe said the government wants to ease border restrictions but some on the island think it's too soon.

He said the island is also not ready to welcome back tourists because home owners have yet to refurbish their accommodation.

Niue MP Terry Coe Photo: Supplied

Mr Tagelagi has told Niue Broadcasting Corporation that Mr Coe risks undermining the integrity of the assembly.

He said vote of no confidence should only be brought for serious matters, when the country faces turmoil.

But Mr Coe said the motion will allow members to issues publicly aired, and that's his primary aim.

Meanwhile Mr Coe has revealed that the government is hoping the New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, will fly to Niue to open the country's newly built Fale Fono.