1992 Niuean constitutional referendum

Proposed changes

The changes to the constitution included the introduction of the Niuean High Court and Court of Appeal, replacing the use of the equivalent courts in New Zealand. The reforms also abolished the Niue Land Court and the Niue Land Appeal Court, instead creating a Land Division in the new High Court.

Qualifications for political candidates were amended to require New Zealand citizenship. It also removed article 31, a requirement for the Chief Justice to approve any legislative proposal that would affect criminal law or personal status. This effectively removed the human rights element of the constitution.

Results

Aftermath

Following the approval of the changes, there was subsequent criticism that the individual changes should have been voted on separately, as well as of the removal of article 31.

References

References

1. [http://www.spc.int/prism/Country/NU/stats/Reports/Abstracts/Niue%20Abstracts_Part1_A.pdf Niue: General Information] Secretariat of the Pacific Community
2. The changes were approved by 70.4% of voters, and came into force on 1 July.[http://www.bayefsky.com/reports/newzealand_e_1990_5_add_12_1992.pdf Initial reports submitted by State parties under articles 16 and 17 of the covenant] United Nations
3. (15 June 1992). "OIA 28392 Review of constitution 15 June 1992".
4. [http://www.upf.pf/IMG/pdf/12-RJP15-Pacific-Constitutions.pdf Pacific Constitutions - Overview] {{webarchive. link. (2012-03-05 University of French Polynesia)