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Niue

FIRST STAMPS ISSUED 4 January 1902.
FIRST STAMPS ISSUED ON SELF-GOVERNMENT 19 October 1974.

CURRENCY
1902, as New Zealand.

Geographically part of the Cook Islands, but the natives continually resented any control from Rarotonga. Discovered by Captain Cook in June 1774, it was originally called 'Savage Island'. Became a British protectorate in April 1900 and a New Zealand dependency in October the same year. It was at this time that it was placed under the Cook Islands, but because of local resentment it was separated in 1903. Granted self-government in October 1974.

Postal History
Prior to the establishment of a New Zealand PO in November 1901, there were no official postal arrangements from the island. When stamps were provided, they were overprinted New Zealand stamps; there was no hand-stamp for the first week and all cancellations were in manuscript.

The island continued to use either New Zealand or Cook Islands stamps overprinted NIUE, or of the same design with NIUE added, until July 1950.

South-East Pacific to 1940
Click map for larger view