This is the Government of Niue’s (GoN) first National Transport Strategy, which brings together
into a single document GoN’s policies on the aviation, maritime and land transport sectors, as well
as relevant institutional, operational and investment activities. This strategy document provides
guidance for the development of Niue’s transport network and services from 2017 to 2026.
Overarching guidance for the National Transport Strategy originates from the Niue National
Strategic Plan 2016–2026 (NNSP), which sets out the overall aims and objectives of the people of
Niue and their government. Following the adoption of the NNSP, the Ministry of Infrastructure is
actively pursuing improvements in the transport system, as reflected in the National Infrastructure
Plan 2016 and its Asset Management and Maintenance Plan (AMMP), a document that sets the
policy framework within which the transport strategy is established.
Transport contributes in many ways to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Niue.
A transport system that is efficient and effective is crucial to the achievement of NNSP goals. The
transport system incorporates some of Niue’s most essential and valuable assets, such as the airport,
wharf and road network. Together, not only must these modes of transport provide the gateway
into this Pacific Island Country; they also should enable Niueans to access economic opportunities
and social services, as well as maintain the fabric of family and community life.
Niue is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world in terms of the effects of climate change,
including the impact of potential disasters. The focus of government strategies is to improve the
resilience of Niue to such impacts. The transport strategy is no different and it intends to minimise
the impact of transport sector operations on the environment and, in turn, contribute to the
country’s resilience.
A robust monitoring and evaluation framework has been developed to ensure a strong and
sustainable transport strategy. It is essential that those who implement the strategy report on the
progress of objectives, not only to identify project successes but also the failures, the latter of which
should be carefully examined and understood. Setting SMART (i.e., specific, measurable, achievable,
realistic, timed) targets for project deliverables and strategic outcomes is key to determining
priorities and focusing resources.
It is essential that the transport sector is financially self-supporting and sustainable. The GoN is
reviewing actively the costs associated with the operation of the transport sector in an attempt
to ensure appropriate cost recovery by enshrining the “user pays” principle. The transport sector
forms part of the budget framework and it is intended to ensure that it remains as debt-free as
possible. Since considerable reliance will be placed on GoN’s resources, as well as funding from its
development partners, it is crucial that financing is sufficient to support the strategy.
This document (i) sets out the overall direction for the transport system and (ii) provides details of
key actions in each subsector (i.e., aviation, maritime and roads). The prioritisation and critical nature
of certain actions are also included.
National Transport Strategy and short term Action Plan
