Niue Ocean Wide Trust Awards First Resource Management Advisory Committee (RMAC) Village Grants
“Niue’s Ocean Conservation Commitment affirms our enduring responsibility to safeguard the marine environment for future generations... Their stewardship ensures that our conservation efforts remain locally driven, resilient, and firmly aligned with Niue’s national vision for sustainable ocean governance.”
Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, Prime Minister of Niue
Left - Right ( Etaena Poihega (NOW Trustee) Coral Pasisi (NOW Trust -Vice Chair) Avi Rubin (NOW Trustee) Gayleen Tasmania (NOW Trustee) Hon. Dalton Tagelagi (NOW Trust - Chair) Hon Mona Ainu'u (NOW Trustee)
The Niue Ocean Wide Trust (NOW Trust) proudly announces the first round of Resource Management Advisory Committee (RMAC) village grants, a milestone in Niue’s journey toward community-led ocean conservation and sustainable development.
Seven villages Alofi South, Mutalau, Liku, Toi, Hakupu, Avatele, and Tuapa have been completed and awarded NZD $20,000 annually to implement locally designed conservation and blue economy projects over a three-year period. The remaining Seven villages have their proposals well underway for future support in due course.
This initiative strengthens the co-management framework at the heart of the Niue Ocean Wide Initiative Public - Private Partnership, empowering communities to lead with cultural integrity and environmental stewardship. As the program enters its second year, the NOW Trust remains committed to supporting inclusive participation and village-driven action within the co-management arrangement with central government. The initiative supports RMACs as they turn local knowledge into lasting impact from sustainable tourism ventures to the revitalization and maintenance of culture and traditional practices.
(The Video below reflects the excitement of the NOW Trust in approving the first tranche of funds and the 7 Village RMACs highlighting 2 out of many key objectives in the use of their respective funds)
Celebrating Sustainable Fishing with NIFA
51st Constitution Celebrations
Niue Ocean Wide Project (NOW) is proud to have contributed towards the Niue Island Fishing Association (NIFA) during this Niue's 51st Constitution - Annual Reef Fishing Competition a beloved community event that brings together passionate fishers, families, and ocean stewards of all ages.
Equally heartening was the response from seasoned fisherfolk, many of whom fully embraced the catch-and-release approach even releasing sizable fish that would once have been kept for the table.
This positive shift in mindset highlights the growing community-wide understanding of sustainable fishing, where respect for the ocean goes hand-in-hand with the joy of catching. Together, NIFA and NOW are helping ensure that Niue’s reef fisheries remain vibrant and abundant for today’s generation and the many to come.
It was again inspiring to witness so many young participants voluntarily releasing their catches immediately after weighing them in. Their enthusiasm and care for the ocean reflected the deep connection Niue’s youth continue to hold with the sea.
In alignment with NOW’s ongoing commitment to sustainable ocean management, this year’s event embraced the catch-and-release element of responsible fishing a practice that honors both tradition and the long-term health of Niue’s reef ecosystems.
(Check out the NIFA video below)
Honoring Tradition and Unity: The Matakau Vaka Fishing & Canoe Races
The Niue Ocean Wide Trust (NOW) is proud to support the annual Matakau Vaka Fishing and Canoe Races a vibrant celebration of Niue’s living heritage, resilience, and community spirit.
Events like the Matakau Vaka annual Canoe Races strengthen the connection between people and moana our ocean by blending cultural heritage with community pride.
As part of the Constitution celebration and in spirited competition and camaraderie, participants from across the island took to the sea in traditional vaka (canoes), maintaining ancestral fishing practices that once sustained generations of Niueans.
This year’s event brought together tupuna wisdom and youthful energy, with both the young and old paddling side by side a true reflection of intergenerational knowledge-sharing and unity in motion.
What made this year’s races especially memorable was the inclusion of women in the relay events. Their strong presence and determination on the water signified not only equality but also the increasing participation of women in Niue’s ocean culture.
Among the many highlights of this year’s events was the participation of the youngest female paddler, Tilly Fuhiniu, age 11. This was a proud moment that captured the spirit of Niue’s future generation embracing tradition. Her courage and enthusiasm on the Vaka reminded everyone that the heart of Niue’s ocean culture beats strongest when our youth, especially our young women, are continuously empowered to participate and help carry forward the legacy of their ancestors. Since the inception of the Matakau Vaka Association, women have always been encouraged to compete in the Vaka events. Even before Matakau Vaka existed, Vaka races were held during the constitution, and Tilly's grandmother competed (and sometimes won) many of these events. Following on from the grandmother was Tilly’s Aunties and her own mother, all competing and sometimes winning, highlighting the passing down of cultural knowledge and heritage.
The Niue Ocean Wide Trust remains committed to supporting initiatives that celebrate and preserve these traditions, ensuring that Niue’s cultural and marine heritage continues to thrive from one generation to the next.
Through shared experiences, storytelling, and traditional practices, Niue continues to uphold the values of respect, cooperation, and guardianship that define its people.
Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Livelihood Protection in Partnership with PCRIC
During a recent mission to Niue, the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) met with the Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust to explore collaborative opportunities for enhancing coastal protection and livelihood resilience under the Government of Niue’s updated policy, effective 1 November.
Another exciting avenue discussed was the potential to design a new policy concept addressing losses from rough seas and high waves, a safeguard aimed at supporting tour operators and fisherfolk during times when unsafe conditions disrupt their operations. PCRIC confirmed that this option could be further scoped in partnership with the Government of Niue in the next phase of engagement.
The mission also included an exchange with the Climate Finance Capacity Support Programme (CFCSP), where PCRIC briefed the representative on Niue’s insurance policy and the organization’s broader regional initiatives, including drought policy development in RMI, FSM, and Nauru. Funded through the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), PCRIC acknowledged the continued support of MFAT in advancing the Pacific’s disaster risk financing agenda.
This collaboration directly aligns with one of NOW’s key pillars, Sustainability, Climate Resilience & Risk Reduction. By exploring innovative insurance solutions and supporting climate-adaptive financial mechanisms, NOW reaffirms its commitment to protecting Niue’s people, blue economy, and ecosystems from the escalating impacts of climate change. Through partnerships like these, we are building pathways toward a more secure and sustainable blue future for Niue.
Niue Ocean Wide Trust Attends the 8th International Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025)
Photo: Brendon Pasisi presenting on CabSmart Program in Niue, together with Niue's innovative sustainable financing model.
Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand | 13 -16 October 2025
The Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust proudly participated in the 8th International Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025), the flagship event of the World Adaptation Science Program (WASP), hosted by the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha in collaboration with global and Oceania partners.
Representing Niue at this global gathering was Brendon Pasisi (NOW Trust CEO & Project Manager) and Shanta Hekau (Communications Manager & Local Grants Support Officer). Their presence highlights Niue’s leadership in island-led climate adaptation, sharing our experiences in building community resilience and advancing innovative, culturally grounded solutions for ocean governance.
Through our work in Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), supported by the New Zealand funded CabSmart Program and collaboration with Resource Management Advisory Committees (RMACs) across every village, NOW is championing approaches that center local leadership, cultural knowledge, and climate resilience.
This participation forms part of the Climate and Biodiversity Smart Marine Spatial Program (CaB Smart MSP), supported by the New Zealand Government and implemented across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Palau, and Solomon Islands. The program is delivered through regional collaboration with SPREP and the Pacific Community (SPC).
By engaging in AF2025, NOW aims to strengthen partnerships, share Niue’s adaptive innovations, and contribute to shaping a more resilient and sustainable Pacific future.
Shark Tagging Strengthens Niue’s Ocean Management
These tagging efforts are more than just scientific milestones; they are powerful tools for community-informed decision making. By tracking where and when sharks move, we’re able to share this knowledge with village communities and fishermen, ensuring that traditional fishing practices remain sustainable and that our marine ecosystems continue to thrive. The data also supports the refinement of local conservation measures within Niue’s marine protected area, Niue Moana Mahu, ensuring a balance between cultural heritage, food security, and biodiversity protection.
This work directly aligns with NOW’s enhanced ocean compliance and management capabilities, strengthening Niue’s ability to monitor marine species, enforce sustainable fishing practices, and make data-driven decisions that benefit both the environment and the community. The integration of shark tagging data into broader marine spatial planning contributes to improved ecosystem-based management and long-term ocean stewardship.
Ultimately, shark tagging in Niue connects science, tradition, and livelihood, protecting these apex predators while empowering our people to continue their role as stewards of the sea.
Championed by the lovely Jess Cramp, Over the past seven years Sharks Pacific has been working closely with Niue Ocean Wide (NOW), the Department of Fisheries, and local communities to deepen our understanding of one of the ocean’s most important species, sharks. Through the deployment of both satellite and acoustic tags, this pioneering work has allowed Niue to monitor shark movements across seasons and years, uncovering valuable insights into their behavior, habitat use, and migration patterns.
"We’re really fortunate to be partnered with the NOW team and Government of Niue on this project. We work alongside the teams really well. Our goal is to both preserve livelihoods and species, because species can’t thrive unless communities are thriving. Our partnerships are what will make this lofty goal possible" - Jess Cramp -
For charter operators, this research adds significant economic value, enhancing Niue’s reputation as a world-class ecotourism destination for responsible shark encounters. Tourists seeking authentic ocean experiences can now engage in activities that are not only thrilling but also contribute to ongoing marine conservation.
Fakaue lahi to Sharks Pacific, Niue’s fishermen, and all partners who continue to keep our ocean guardians in safe waters.
(Photo credit: Sharks Pacific)
Celebrating Ocean Respect at Avatele Marine Day
Avatele village proudly celebrated its Marine Day on Saturday, 4 October 2025, a vibrant gathering that brought together community spirit, cultural pride, and a deep commitment to ocean conservation.
Under the theme “Protect and sustain Avatele’s reef and marine resources as a taoga for our people today and future generations,” the day united fishers, families, and youth in a shared mission to honor and respect the value the reef.
The Niue Ocean Wide Trust (NOW) was proud to support this special event, sponsoring the Catch and Release category, which encouraged participants to uphold traditional fishing skills while promoting responsible stewardship of marine life through the release of fish live if small or not of eating value.
Highlights included:
Village Reef Fishing Catch & Release: Participants focused on seldom-eaten and undersized reef fish, releasing their catches after recording key data such as the number, location, and photo evidence. This strengthened local understanding of reef species and promoted sustainable fishing practices.
Vaka Fishing Competition: Traditional vaka fishing returned in full spirit, featuring shark catch and release practices and fair recognition for catches affected by shark interactions.
The event brought together fishers young and old, united by their customary shared respect for the moana and the spirit of Avatele, known for their iconic Manu Folau (Frigate Bird) village emblem. Laughter and excitement filled the shore as lines were cast with purpose, not just to catch, but to connect, learn, and give back.
(Video Coming out soon, stay tuned on social media and our website)
Niue Voices at the Pacific Islands Ocean Conference
Honiara, Solomon Islands | 29 September - 3 October 2025
The pulse of the Pacific beat strong in Honiara, Solomon Islands, as ocean leaders, scientists, and traditional knowledge holders gathered for the Pacific Islands Conference on Ocean Science and Ocean Management (PICOSOM 2025) a landmark regional forum dedicated to fostering meaningful dialogue and action for our shared blue future.
The conference brought together Pacific Ocean managers, scientists, Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs), and community representatives to:
• Showcase groundbreaking scientific work and Pacific-led research.
• Assess integrated ocean management efforts across Pacific Island Countries.
• Share success stories and lessons from marine conservation projects.
• Advocate for the inclusion of women, youth, and indigenous voices in ocean governance.
• Strengthen capacity-building and knowledge exchange across the region.
The Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust proudly participated in this milestone event, standing alongside Pacific partners to strengthen the regional movement toward a Blue Resilient Pacific, where science, policy, and traditional knowledge work hand in hand to safeguard the ocean that connects us all.
Echoing the message of Pacific Ocean Commission Dr. Filimon Manoni, NOW firmly believes that “our way of knowing must be centered”. This deeply aligns with Niue’s own ocean governance approach - one that honors ancestral wisdom while advancing innovative management of 100% of Niue’s ocean territory, including the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area.
At the heart of NOW’s mission is a simple but powerful vision:
To build a resilient blue economy “By Niue, For Niue”, ensuring our ocean conservation efforts deliver lasting benefits for our people and the planet.
Together with our Pacific neighbors, Niue Ocean Wide Trust reaffirms its commitment to protecting our ocean heritage and charting a united course toward a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving blue Pacific future.
Alofi North & Matakau Vaka Fishing Event – Reconnecting Through Tradition
The Niue Ocean Wide Trust (NOW) is proud to support the Alofi North Village & Matakau Vaka Fishing Event, a vibrant two-day celebration of Niue’s enduring connection to the sea and its cultural heritage. Held on 19th and 27th September, this event formed part of the Alofi North Village Action Plan 2025/2026.
Guided by the theme “Matutaki mo e Atihake he Agaaga Kaufakalataha” meaning “Reconnecting, Rebuilding our Community Spirit,” the event reflected the village’s commitment to fostering unity, strengthening relationships, and revitalizing the shared values that bind land, ocean, and people.
The occasion brought together skilled fishers, youth, and community members who took to the ocean in traditional vaka (canoes), a timeless practice that continues to define Niue’s identity and deep connection with the sea. Their journeys showcased both seamanship and reverence for traditional fishing methods, with the ocean rewarding their efforts through impressive catches and memorable stories shared along the shoreline.
Each story stood as a reminder of the deep knowledge, resilience, and sustainable fishing practices that have guided Niuean fishers for generations.
Through initiatives like this, NOW continues to champion the preservation of Niue’s marine culture while promoting community engagement and ocean stewardship. The event beautifully embodies our shared mission, empowering people to live in harmony with the ocean, honoring the past while protecting the future.
Tuapa village Revives Tradition Through Marine Day 2025”
Celebrating Culture, Conservation, and Community, Tuapa Village proudly held its Annual Marine Day on Saturday, 6 September 2025, carrying the powerful theme inspired by ancestral wisdom, “Uluga ke he Tofia - Huivee ke he Fonua,” a reminder of the deep connection between ocean and land.
In the weeks leading up to the event, a series of community activities were held, beginning on 23 August with Talaga Kakikaki and Lalaga Kato Kau Ua, featuring youth-focused traditional weaving and fishing gear preparations. On 30 August, the community gathered for Safety at Sea (Vaka & Boat) sessions and “From Sea to Table” workshops, where children learned how to prepare their catch using both modern and traditional methods.
The main celebration on 6 September brought the village together for vaka fishing competitions, reef fishing, and other marine activities, honoring Tuapa’s strong cultural and ocean heritage.
In alignment with RMAC priorities, the event highlighted the importance of catch-and-release practices, understanding different fish species, and increasing awareness of how climate change affects traditional fishing and marine resources. It also reinforced the need to preserve traditional knowledge and pass it on to younger generations.
Niue Ocean Wide Trust (NOW) funding support helped make these meaningful and educational events a great success strengthening community connection to the ocean and fostering sustainable stewardship for the future.
Empowering Communities, One Proposal at a Time
Niue Ocean Wide Trust workshop brought together RMACs for a session of collaboration, clarity, and progress.
With a shared commitment to uplifting our villages, we focused on refining project proposals and ensuring every community voice is heard. From updates to hands-on support, this gathering was all about supporting RMACs to move forward. Fakaue lahi ,for the energy, insights, and dedication in the room. Together, we’re building pathways for sustainable impact proposal, one step at a time.
Strengthening Data Governance for Marine Spatial Planning
The NOW Trust has reached out to SPC directly and through the New Zealand funded MSP CabSmart Program to assist Niue in developing and maintaining important data management systems. These are need to support monitoring of impacts and conservation investments for reporting and adaptive management.
Facilitated by Malcolm Fraser from SPC, in collaboration with the Niue Ocean Wide Trust (NOW), initiated a Data Governance for MSP Workshop, held at the beautiful Scenic Matavai Resort. A session that brought together key stakeholders from government, NGOs, and technical sectors to explore how Niue can strengthen its marine data systems to support Marine Spatial Planning (MSP).
Participants were introduced to SPC’s Pacific Data Hub and the Data Governance Maturity Tool, followed by engaging discussions on how local data practices can support long-term ocean stewardship. The atmosphere was vibrant, collaborative, and filled with forward-thinking ideas about Niue’s digital and environmental future.
The second day of the Data Governance Maturity Workshop brought together our Resource Management Advisory Committee (RMAC) members for an inspiring and thought-provoking session on data governance and sovereignty, not as abstract ideas but as practical tools for grassroots empowerment. We had special session with Lucy Jacob of MFAT (MSP CabSmart Program) having rich discussions, reflective, and deeply grounded in the lived realities of Niue’s communities. Together, participants explored how data can guide local priorities, inform decision-making, and strengthen village-led stewardship of our ocean spaces. Listening to community perspectives and traditional knowledge, learning about the role of data in shaping sustainable futures and lifting voices ensuring inclusion in Niue’s digital and environmental journey.
Fakaue lahi to Malcolm Fraser (SPC) and Lucy Jacob (CabSmart Program) for their thoughtful facilitation. Their ability to bridge the technical and the cultural helped create meaningful dialogue, a reminder that true transformation begins when innovation and identity move together. Together, we continue advancing Niue’s vision for data-informed, culturally grounded ocean management, empowering our villages to lead with knowledge, confidence, and care.
These are the latest updates from NOW made possible by your support!
Thanks to your contributions as OCC sponsors and or contributors to the NOW Trust, incredible progress is happening on the ground in Niue and on the global stage. Your valued support is driving real impact protecting our ocean, uplifting our people, and inspiring the region and world.
Fakaaue lahi mahaki, oue tulou - Thank you, from all of us at Niue Ocean Wide Trust.
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Stay tuned for more awesome updates coming up!
