Personal Stories Highlight Enduring Relationships and Mutual Respect Between Two Island Nations.
Niue, often referred to as the “Rock of Polynesia,” is home to an estimated 1,700 residents. While many of its indigenous people live abroad, particularly in New Zealand and Australia, the small island continues to be a tranquil haven for those who call it home. Among them are two Solomon Islanders, Andy and Harry, who moved to Niue in 2011.
Andy, a former lab technician from Honiara, saw an opportunity for employment in Niue and relocated with her husband. Reflecting on their life in Niue, she said, “Life here is peaceful, and the people are kind.” Though they have settled into the quiet rhythm of island life, Andy and Harry still hold memories of the Solomon Islands close, much like the Niueans who have lived or worked in the Solomon Islands.
“We were in Honiara during the Pacific Games”, Andy said. For her husband Harry, it was his first time returning home since they left over 10 years ago. “I saw the infrastructure for the Pacific Games and the road improvements on the eastern side of the city. I was quite taken aback—it was my first time back in the country after so many years,” Harry said. “But it is good to see that Honiara has developed”, he said.
Greg Harding, a Niuean who served in the Solomon Islands with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) in the mid-2000s, shared his experiences. RAMSI was a peacekeeping mission led by Australia and New Zealand, involving personnel from 15 Pacific nations, including Niue. Greg was one of the first two Niuean police officers to join the mission in 2006, after completing pre-deployment training in Australia. He spent several months working in the provinces, especially in Malaita, helping to restore stability in Solomon Islands.
Greg’s connection to the Solomon Islands remains strong; he still speaks fluent Pijin and keeps a visible reminder of his time there with his vehicle’s license plate reading “WANTOK,” a common term in Pijin meaning “close friend” or “kin.” “I spent most of my time in the provinces, not so much in Honiara,” Greg said, highlighting the close ties formed during his mission.
Similarly, Desmond Hipa, who studied basic electrical skills at the Honiara Technical Institute in the 1970s, fondly recalled his time in the Solomon Islands. It is quite intriguing that, more than 40 years later, Desmond still speaks fluent Pijin. Now the Chairperson of Niue Justice, he cherishes his experiences in Honiara. “I made good friends with those from the fishing village. It was a challenging time since we were given only AUD $20, and our favorite meal was bread and tuna,” he shared. During his stay, Desmond played rugby with a Polynesian team from Rennell Bellona Province, participating in competitive matches in Honiara. He had hoped to bring his wife to the Solomon Islands during the recent Pacific Games, where she had participated in bowling; however, bowling was not included in the sports featured during the event hosted by Honiara.
Another connection between the two nations is shared by Zubin D’Sousa, a New Zealander now working in Niue, who lived in the Solomon Islands from 2019 to 2021. Zubin supported the New Zealand government in managing airport upgrade projects in the Solomon Islands. Reflecting on his time in the Solomon Islands, he noted that, like Greg and Desmond, he had picked up Pijin and left the country with fond memories of the people and places. “I have been to all provinces in the Solomon Islands, except two, Makira and Temotu”, Zubin said.
These shared experiences came to light during a dinner hosted for Solomon Islands journalists attending the Pacific Media Summit in Niue recently. The gathering highlighted the long-standing relationships between the two Pacific nations, fostered through work, study, and regional cooperation efforts like RAMSI.
As Niue approaches its 50th anniversary of self-governance on October 19, the stories of Greg, Desmond, and Zubin serve as reminders of the enduring bonds between Pacific nations, strengthened by shared experiences and mutual respect. Though separated by distance, Niue and the Solomon Islands remain connected through the personal histories of those who have crossed the seas and forged lasting relationships.
For Andy and Harry, who initially found Niue to be quiet and uneventful, the island has become a peaceful home. “People don’t lock their doors here, and they look out for each other,” Harry observed, reflecting on the island’s sense of community and safety.
Niue’s calm way of life, contrasted with the more bustling atmosphere of Honiara, continues to attract those in search of a peaceful retreat. However, it is the deep and enduring connections between the two island nations that truly stand out. Whether through peacekeeping missions, educational exchanges, or professional contributions, the bonds between Niue and the Solomon Islands remain strong, exemplified by individuals like Greg, Desmond, and countless others.
