Jacinda Ardern has spoken in Niue, acknowledging the unofficial title as the 'daughter of Niue' as she pledges a futher $5 million to solar energy generation, on top of $750,000 for Niue's roads and water network.
In a speech today the New Zealand Prime Minister said it was "truly wonderful" to return to Niue. Her father is the New Zealand High Commissioner to Niue.
"It does feel like a bit of a second home to me, particularly how long my family have spent here," Ms Ardern told those gathered.
"I've sometimes been called the daughter of Niue, so I hope you don’t mind I've owned that title.
"I hope it has your blessing premier, but I feel honoured to ever be called that in passing."
In a press statement, the government said it would support Niue through a package to "improve water and roading infrastructure on Niue and further develop renewable energy generation".
"New Zealand will invest $750,000 to make immediate improvements to Niue's roads and water network ahead of the 2018 tourism season," Ms Ardern said.
This is in addition to $5 million pledged today to support Niue's solar energy generation, which is on top of another $5 million New Zealand already provided to help Niue meet its goal of 80 per cent renewable energy target by 2025.
"Achieving this target will create annual savings of close to $1 million for the Government of Niue, which can be applied to other development priorities such as health, education and other public services," Ms Ardern said.
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