Story: Niueans

A young Niuean at his hair-cutting ceremony

A young Niuean at his hair-cutting ceremony

Traditionally, Niuean boys do not cut their hair, which is lovingly cared for by sisters, mothers and aunts. When the boys become teenagers, a ceremony is held where women tend the hair for the last time before it is cut. Members of the extended family plaster the youth with banknotes – all part of a large informal Niuean economy that links families and ensures the community looks after its own.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, St James Presbyterian Church (Newtown) Collection (PAColl-5720)
Reference: PA12-1517-77

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Niueans - Migration', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/717/a-young-niuean-at-his-hair-cutting-ceremony (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 25 Mar 2015