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Young Vivian

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Mititaiagimene Young Vivian CNZM NDSC (born 12 November 1935)[1] is a Niuean politician and diplomat, who served as Premier of Niue twice, the first time from December 1992 to March 1993 following the death of Sir Robert Rex, and the second from 2002 to 2008. He also served as a Cabinet Minister multiple times, first as Minister of Education, Economic Development and Agriculture and later as Minister of Finance under Robert Rex, and in the Cabinet of Sani Lakatani. From 1979 to 1982 he served as Secretary-General of the South Pacific Commission.

The Honourable
Young Vivian
CNZM NDSC
Vivian at a fiafia in Hakupu, 2006
Premier of Niue
In office
1 May 2002 – 19 June 2008
DeputyFisa Igilisi Pihigia
Preceded bySani Lakatani
Succeeded byToke Talagi
In office
12 December 1992 – 9 March 1993
Preceded bySir Robert Rex
Succeeded byFrank Lui
Minister of Finance
In office
1990–1993
PremierRobert Rex
Preceded bySani Lakatani
Succeeded bySani Lakatani
Minister of Education, Agriculture, and Economic Development
In office
1969–1979
Minister of Tourism
In office
1969–1975
Succeeded byFrank Lui
Member of the Niue Parliament
for Hakupu
In office
1969 – 6 May 2017
Preceded bySiakisoni
Succeeded byMichael Jackson
Personal details
Born (1935-11-12) 12 November 1935 (age 89)
Political partyNiue People's Action Party (until 2003)
Independent (from 2003)
SpouseVaitofuola (nee Ikiua-Lupo)

Early life

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Vivian attended primary school on Niue, before going to New Zealand for his secondary education. He was educated at St George's Preparatory School in Wanganui from 1949, and then Wanganui Collegiate School as a boarder between 1951 and 1954. After completing teacher training at Ardmore Teachers' College, Vivian returned to Niue and worked as a teacher for almost 10 years. He then took a course on the teaching of English as a second language at Victoria University of Wellington, and returned again to Niue in 1969.[2][3]

Early political career

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Vivian was first elected to the Niue Assembly in the 1969 general election[4] and appointed to the Executive Council, serving as Member of Education in Robert Rex's pre-independence government.[5] Vivian was re-elected at the 1972 election,[6] and was part of the team which negotiated Niue's independence.[7] He was re-elected at the 1975 election and reappointed as Minister for Education, Agriculture, and Economic Development, but lost the Tourism portfolio to Frank Lui.[8]

In 1978, Vivian was elected Secretary-General of the South Pacific Commission,[9] giving up his position as a Minister to take the job.[10] He served in the role from 1979 to 1982,[11] after which he worked as a cultural officer for the Niuean Government.[12] In 1984 he was back in the Legislative Assembly,[13] but was not reappointed to Cabinet.[14] In an early speech, he denounced the decolonisation process as being forced on Niue, and attacked New Zealand for its lack of assistance following independence.[13] In 1985, when Premier Robert Rex talked of retirement, he was seen as a likely successor.[15]

Leader of the opposition and first Premiership

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Vivian was re-elected in the 1987 election, and became leader of the new Niue People's Action Party (NPAP).[16] As leader of the opposition, he led a confidence vote against Rex in 1989, which while unsuccessful, saw three government MP's cross the floor.[17] At the 1990 election the NPAP gained 12 of 20 seats, giving it a majority, but a dispute over the leadership between Vivian and newly elected MP Sani Lakatani saw Rex lure a group of MPs led by the latter switch sides, and Rex won the premiership on a 12–8 vote.[18][19] Less than six months later Lakatani was sacked from Cabinet after attempting to oust Rex, and Vivian was appointed as Minister of Finance, Education, and Administration in his place.[20] He later served as acting Premier during Rex's illness, and following his death in December 1992, was elected Premier.[21][22] He was re-elected to the Assembly at the 1993 election,[23] but lost the Premiership to Frank Lui 11 votes to 9.[24]

Second opposition period

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After losing the Premiership, Vivian became leader of the Opposition again. In 1995 he allied with Sani Lakatani, who had once again been dismissed from Cabinet, to effectively deadlock Parliament, preventing any legislation from being passed.[25] An attempt by the government to break the deadlock by declaring the seats of opposition MPs vacant was ultimately declared illegal by the Niue Court of Appeal.[26] The deadlock was finally broken when Vivian agreed that the NPP would support the government's budget in an effort to avoid an early election.[27]

Vivian was re-elected unopposed at the 1996 election, but did not stand for Premier.[27]

Cabinet and second Premiership

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The renamed Niue People's Party won a majority at the 1999 election, and Sani Lakatani was elected Premier.[28] Vivian was appointed to Cabinet[29] as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education.[28]

Vivian was returned unopposed at the 2002 election[30] and elected leader of the NPP in place of Lakatani.[31] He was subsequently elected premier, defeating Hunukitama Hunuki by 14 votes to 6.[32] He appointed Lakatani as his Deputy,[33] but fired him just three months later after he voted against the budget.[34][35] As premier he arranged direct flights to Niue by Polynesian Airlines to boost tourism,[36] negotiated for European Union funding for renewable energy,[37] and negotiated for greater New Zealand assistance.[38][39] A proposal to allow immigration from Tonga and Samoa if Niueans did not return from New Zealand proved unpopular.[40]

In January 2004 Vivian's wife, Leone Tofuola Vivian, died after a long illness in New Zealand.[41] While Vivian was still in Auckland, Niue was struck by Cyclone Heta[42][43] which destroyed the capital Alofi and the island's only hospital.[44] The government was heavily criticised over its reconstruction efforts, particularly the distribution of aid and allocation of new houses.[45][46][47]

He was again re-elected unopposed in the 2005 election[48] and re-elected Premier, defeating O'Love Jacobsen 17 votes to 3.[49][50] His 2005 budget cut spending,[51] and in December 2005 a leaked government report revealed that Niue was virtually bankrupt.[52] A further report in 2006 revealed further financial difficulties[53] and that cyclone aid had been used to prop up the government's accounts.[54] New Zealand provided funds for a bailout,[55] but Vivian's government cut public services and imposed user-pays charges to balance the books.[56] Vivian was accused of economic mismanagement, but survived a confidence vote.[57] The financial problems were temporarily solved with $750,000 obtained on an official visit to China.[58] A proposal to introduce a goods and services tax was rejected by the Assembly.[59]

He was again re-elected unopposed to Parliament in the 2008 elections,[60] but lost the Premiership to Toke Talagi, who won fourteen votes to Vivian's five, and one abstaining.[61]

Later life

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In the 2017 general election, Vivian lost the Hakupu seat to Michael Jackson.[62][63] At the 2020 general election, Vivian stood for election to one of the six common roll seats,[63] but was unsuccessful.[64]

In December 2021, Vivian was evacuated by air ambulance from Niue to New Zealand for medical treatment.[65]

Honours and awards

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Vivian (centre), after his investiture as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit by the former governor-general, Sir Anand Satyanand (left), at Government House, Auckland, on 13 April 2023

At the inaugural Niue National Awards in 2020, Vivian was awarded the Niue Distinguished Service Cross.[66][67] He was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2023 New Year Honours, for services to Niue.[68]

References

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  1. ^ Profile of Mititaiagimene Young Vivian
  2. ^ Johnstone, Ian; Powles, Michael (2012). "Leader's story: Mititaiagimene Young Vivian". New Flags Flying: Pacific Leadership. Wellington: Huia. ISBN 9781775500605. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  3. ^ Frankham, James (November–December 2018). "From taro to tourism". New Zealand Geographic (154). Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  4. ^ "BEATING THE REST: NEW NIUE PREMIER VIVIAN". Pacific Islands Report. 6 May 2002. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  5. ^ "There'll be no hari kari on this little isle". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 42, no. 9. 1 September 1971. p. 43. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. ^ "No election fuss". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 43, no. 6. 1 June 1972. p. 28. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. ^ "1974 IS NIUE'S YEAR". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 44, no. 4. 1 April 1973. pp. 10–11. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  8. ^ "No Rex dynasty for Niue". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 46, no. 6. 1 June 1975. p. 9. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. ^ "Niue Minister new SPC boss". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. 13 October 1978. p. 7. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  10. ^ "People". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 49, no. 12. 1 December 1978. p. 69. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  11. ^ "People". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 53, no. 9. 1 September 1982. p. 41. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  12. ^ "Moves to revive Niue's traditional arts". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 54, no. 12. 1 December 1983. p. 6. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  13. ^ a b "'Decolonisation snare delusion' – Young Vivian". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 55, no. 10. 1 October 1984. p. 61. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  14. ^ "Niue: Sir Robert Rex returned". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 55, no. 10. 1 October 1984. p. 9. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  15. ^ "Niue: And then there were none...?". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 56, no. 2. 1 February 1985. p. 45. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  16. ^ "NZ Niueans more active role". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 58, no. 6. 1 June 1987. p. 38. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  17. ^ "NIUE Who will turn out the lights?". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 59, no. 18. 1 July 1989. p. 13. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  18. ^ "Rex beats the odds". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 60, no. 5. 1 May 1990. p. 19. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  19. ^ "Veteran Niue leader is re-elected". The Canberra Times. 14 April 1990. p. 10. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  20. ^ "Challenge shakes Rex". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 60, no. 10. 1 October 1990. p. 18. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  21. ^ "New premier". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 63, no. 2. 1 February 1993. p. 9. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  22. ^ "Death of 'eminent' island leader". The Canberra Times. 14 December 1992. p. 4. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  23. ^ "Vivian returned". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 63, no. 4. 1 April 1993. p. 6. Retrieved 2 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  24. ^ Stephen Levine (Spring 1994). "Niue in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993" (PDF). The Contemporary Pacific. 6 (1): 185–189. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  25. ^ "Little Niue's big problem". Dominion Post. 30 January 1995. p. 8 – via EBSCOHost.
  26. ^ Kalauni v Jackson, 1996 1 (Court of Appeal of Niue 23 January 1996).
  27. ^ a b Stephen Levine (Spring 1997). "Niue in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 1995 to 30 June 1996" (PDF). The Contemporary Pacific. 9 (1): 236–42. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  28. ^ a b Stephen Levine (Spring 2000). "Political Review: Niue" (PDF). The Contemporary Pacific. 12 (1): 231–236. doi:10.1353/cp.2000.0020. S2CID 258059013.
  29. ^ "NIUE PREMIER LAKATANI MAKES CABINET APPOINTMENTS". Pacific Islands Report. 30 March 1999. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  30. ^ "NIUE'S ELECTION INCONCLUSIVE". Pacific Islands Report. 22 April 2002. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  31. ^ "Niue's deputy premier a nominee for post of premier". RNZ. 1 May 2002. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  32. ^ "Niue elects Young Vivian as new premier". RNZ. 2 May 2002. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  33. ^ "Sani Lakatani remains near the centre of power in Niue". RNZ. 6 May 2002. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  34. ^ "Election possible in Niue after Minister and Government fails to pass Budget". RNZ. 8 August 2002. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  35. ^ "Niue deputy Premier dumped in Budget crisis". New Zealand Herald. 9 August 2002. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  36. ^ John Andrews (12 September 2002). "Direct flights send Niue spirits skyhigh". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  37. ^ "EUROPEAN UNION AGREES TO PROVIDE NIUE WITH FUNDING FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY". Pacific Islands Report. 23 September 2002. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  38. ^ "Niue takes new approach to bilateral relations with New Zealand". RNZ. 1 April 2003. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  39. ^ "Niue to present strategic plan to NZ". RNZ. 19 June 2003. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  40. ^ "PROPOSAL TO POPULATE NIUE UNPOPULAR". Pacific Islands Report. 13 May 2003. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  41. ^ "NIUE FIRST LADY LEONE TOFULOA VIVIAN DIES". Pacific Islands Report. 5 January 2004. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  42. ^ "Niue's Premier concerned about the effects of Cyclone Heta". RNZ. 7 January 2004. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  43. ^ "Niue's PM mourns for wife and storm-battered nation". New Zealand Herald. 7 January 2004. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  44. ^ "Cyclone flattens capital". Courier-Mail. 8 January 2004. p. 18 – via EBSCOHost.
  45. ^ "Niue opposition MP questions allocation of cyclone aid". RNZ. 19 May 2004. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  46. ^ David Fisher (25 January 2004). "Niue, an island where politics is business". New Zealand Herald. p. A13 – via EBSCOHost.
  47. ^ "Amid Wreckage, Niue Politicos Jockey For 2005". Pacific Islands Report. 12 April 2004. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  48. ^ "VIVIAN, 6 OTHERS UNOPPOSED IN NIUE ELECTIONS". Pacific Islands Report. 18 April 2005. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  49. ^ "Niue Premier retains leadership". New Zealand Herald. 12 May 2005. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  50. ^ "VIVIAN REELECTED PREMIER OF NIUE". Pacific Islands Report. 12 May 2005. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  51. ^ "Niue government to rush through budget that slashes spending". RNZ. 10 August 2005. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  52. ^ "That sinking feeling for Niue". New Zealand Herald. 9 December 2005. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  53. ^ "Niue treasury concerned about government finances". RNZ. 31 March 2006. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  54. ^ "Aid money lost in paradise". New Zealand Herald. 13 May 2006. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  55. ^ "NZaid advances money to help bail out Niue". RNZ. 17 May 2006. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  56. ^ "Niue government looks to cut costs and overcome a funding shortfall". RNZ. 30 January 2007. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  57. ^ "Vote of no confidence in Niue fails to dislodge government of Young Vivian". RNZ. 8 March 2007. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  58. ^ "Niue's premier says he has got around 750 thousand US dollars in aid from China". RNZ. 18 June 2007. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  59. ^ "Niue delays GST introduction". RNZ. 4 February 2008. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  60. ^ "Niue Premier and Cabinet returned un-opposed as nominations close". RNZ. 24 May 2008. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  61. ^ "Niue parliament elects Toke Talagi as new premier". RNZ. 19 June 2008. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  62. ^ "Niue's Parliament at least 20 percent women". RNZ. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  63. ^ a b "84 year old former Premier Young Vivian aims for a return to politics". TV Niue. May 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  64. ^ "Premier of Niue loses seat in election". RNZ News. 1 June 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  65. ^ "Former Niue leader medevaced to NZ says Dr Tukuitonga". RNZ. 4 December 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  66. ^ Esther Pavihi (October 2020). "Former Premier Vivian awarded Niue's highest honor at the 46th celebrations of self-government". TVNiue. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  67. ^ "First Niue Awards recognise leadership, sporting achievement and service". RNZ. 21 October 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  68. ^ "New Year honours list 2023". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
Assembly seats
Preceded by
Siakisoni
 Member of the Niuean Parliament for Hakupu
1969–2017 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Minister of Finance
1990–1993 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Premier of Niue
1992–1993 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Premier of Niue
2002–2008 		Succeeded by
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