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 well-being 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.
It is essential that the transport sector is financially self-supporting and sustainable, thus, this transport sector strategy forms part of the country's budget framework and is intended to ensure that the sector 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.
