Inquiry - Niue: A Cautious Colony Comes of Age

Television (Full Length) – 1974

On the 3rd of September 1974, Niueans voted to self-govern in free association with New Zealand. Inquiry visits the tiny Pacific Island atoll one week before this hugely significant referendum, to take the mood of the people and observe how the island, which relies on shipped imports, keeps its economy afloat. Reporter Joe Coté interviews future Niue premier Robert Rex and Hima Douglas, a future politician. Coté investigates if the decision to self-govern will affect the large number of Niueans who leave each year to settle in New Zealand.

If you try to solve the riddle of tomorrow here, you've had it, you may as well get out of here. We just play it cool, exist, be happy, be glad to be alive.
– A young Hima Douglas explains why he chose to come back to Niue from New Zealand