In 1974 the people of Niue voted to become independent (from New Zealand) and take up their own constitution on 19th October.

Niue is one of the smallest ‘nations’ in the United Nations, only 2000 inhabitants. While they have independence they have a strong relationship with New Zealand, who, in the main, is responsible for Niue’s foreign diplomacy (although they have recently penned an independent agreement with India).

The Niue government is technology orientated, making a large potion of its income from selling its internet domain. All Niuen’s have free wireless.

Faikai and Takihi

This has been by far the hardest recipe/food to find! The Christmas special in Niue is Faikai. How it is actually made is something I am not 100% sure of. I have tried contacting members of parliament, residents and restaurants to go with my many hours of google searching. This is how I made it, but would love it if there is anyone who has more insight into this one.

Takihi is a recipe I found from the island.

Faikai

Ingredients

250 grams fish

1 cup of coconut cream

 

Directions

1) Soak the fish in coconut cream and then wrap in foil.

2) Bake in a 180 degree oven until cooked (about 30 minutes). You can pan fry the fish before or after as well.

(The best method is to cook in a umu – earth oven. If I had of thought about how many means would be cooked in an earth oven, I think I would have dug one)

 

Takihi

Ingredients

1 small pawpaw

1 taro root

1 cup coconut cream

 

Directions

1) Slice the Taro and pawpaw.

2) In an aluminium foil sheet, layer pawpaw and taro, then pour the coconut cream over. Wrap the foil and bake at 180 degrees until cooked (1 hourish)