Flag of Niue, different colours have different meanings. The yellow symbolizes sunshine and passion, the Union Jack symbolizes the British protection before independence, the four stars for the Southern Cross, and the central star is the island of Niue surrounded by the blue disk, the ocean.
HISTORY AND ETYMOLOGY
The origin of the name Niue is obscure, but speculation indicates that the world may have come from the phrase 'behold the coconut' in Niuean.
Settlement
From around the start of the 10th century, Polynesians started settling on Niue. Chiefs ruled over their own tribes in sections of the land of Niue, and no government or leader existed.
Monarchy and Western discovery
Tongans settled down somewhere in the late 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century. They brought a huge influence to the ruling system of Niue. The concept of kingship quickly spread around the locals, and soon after, patu-iki (Tongan kings) took over the island.
The first Western discovery of the island was recorded by Captain James Cook in the year 1774. He tried to land on the island but failed due to the resistance of the inhabitants of Niue. According to him, the locals greeted him with a blood-like substance, which led the Captain to name the island as Savage Island.
Christianity began on the island when the British re-visited them and brought away Nukai Peniamina, who converted to Christianity and brought the religion back to the island.
Christianity seen from a church in Alofi, 1898
Joining New Zealand to modern times
Starting from the late 1880s, the rulers of Niue requested for a British takeover in fear of foreign acquisition. This was initially ignored by Queen Victoria. However, a later petition of the Cook Islands included Niue in their annexation list. With the approval of the British Empire, Niue was left under British control as a protectorate.
The protectorate was short lived. The land, along with the Cook Islands, was eventually ceded to New Zealand. Decades passed until the 1974 constitution, giving Niue an option for independence, self-government or remaining as a regular part of New Zealand. Most opted for the second choice, and so there was it. From their, it became an associated state and has continued to now.
Government of Niue
CURRENCY AND COINS (3rd March 2018 edit, thanks to Houseofham)
Starting from the British colonization, Niue has followed the British and used the shilling and pound sterling as their currency. With the introduction of the New Zealand dollar, however, Niue switched to a new currency and the New Zealand dollar is now used for general circulation purposes.
Starting from the 21st century, Niue has made increasingly more commemorative coins for collectors. These coins are legal tender in Niue, but they are almost never seen in circulation due to its purpose.
Since it retains itself as a member of the Commonwealth, obverses of coins issued by Niue bears either the national crest or the effigy of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Obverse of a Niuean coin with its crest
Niue
