New Zealand funding to help Niue tourism, energy sectors

The New Zealand government on Thursday announced a package totaling 1.25 million NZ dollars (1. 05 million U.S. dollars) to help the tourism sector and support renewable energy in the tiny Pacific island nation of Niue.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, who is currently leading a political delegation to Niue, said his government would give 1 million NZ dollars (843,099 U.S. dollars) over five years to help develop Niue's tourism industry.
The money would be used to develop new accommodation, and improve key infrastructure, including telecommunications, electricity, waste management and water supply.
"Tourism is the primary driver of economic development in Niue, creating jobs for locals, growing business and pumping foreign capital into the economy," Key said in a statement from his office.
New Zealand would also give 250,000 NZ dollars (210,775 U.S. dollars) to help the Niue government to ensure the stability of Niue's electricity grid as it increases the proportion of renewable energy sources.
"Part of supporting a viable tourism industry is reliable energy. Niue is committed to increasing the proportion of electricity generation from renewable sources, and New Zealand is very keen to support that ambition," said Key. Enditem