Memorial headstones recognise Niuean First World War servicemen

Niuean personnel who answered the call to serve during the First World War are being remembered with memorial headstones in honour of their service.

27 August, 2026

Thirty-nine memorial headstones were transported to Niue on a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J-30 Hercules and handed over to the Government of Niue and the Niue Returned Services Association (RSA) in a ceremony yesterday.

The memorial headstones will be placed in villages around Niue providing a place for the community and others to pay tribute to the Niuean men who joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force as part of the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion.

Head of Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand (VANZ), Alexander Brunt, says Niue’s sacrifice in the First World War was immense.

The 150 servicemen who volunteered represented around four per cent of Niue’s population at the time.

Their journey was marked by hardship, including exposure to and death from illnesses and conditions they had never experienced at home, he said.

“We hope that these memorials will help the descendants of your veterans preserve the special places where they honour and remember the loved ones they lost, their courage, service and sacrifice.”

Three people in traditional dress hold up three large spears as part of a cultural performance.

The 39 headstones were handed over to the Government of Niue and the Niue RSA at a ceremony in the capital Alofi

The 39 headstones were handed over to the Government of Niue and the Niue RSA at a ceremony in the capital Alofi

A man speaks at a podium in front of a New Zealand flag.

VANZ head Alexander Brunt said the memorials would help the descendants preserve the special places where they honour and remember the loved ones they lost, their courage, service and sacrifice

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) was represented at the ceremony by Wing Commander Adam O’Rourke, who said it was a privilege to accompany the delivery and honour the legacy of the Niuean men who volunteered to serve with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

“Their service forged an enduring bond between Niue and New Zealand, carried forward by the Niuean coastwatchers of the Second World War,” he said.

“This partnership between our countries is reflected to this day. Kiwis of Niuean heritage continue to serve in the NZDF and our defence relationship continues to evolve to meet the needs of a changing Pacific,” he said.

VANZ, the NZDF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade worked in partnership with the Government of Niue and the Niue RSA to see this important project realised. As part of this effort, the New Zealand High Commission will provide support for the installation of the service memorial headstones in villages throughout Niue, to ensure the legacy of those who served lives on in their communities.