Sir Toke Talagi

Niue premier says leeches comment 'idiotic'

Heather du Plessis-Allan singled out Niue during her national radio show saying pension portability for Niueans amounted to "welfare sponging".

Her comments prompted angry reactions on social media but she defended them saying she was talking about Pacific island countries and their governments not their people.

Sir Toke has dismissed the comments.

"I have no idea what she's on about because she's never been up here. She has absolutely no idea what she's talking about. Do you want me to comment on some idiotic thing like that? The answer is no."

Niue leader extends Auckland medical stay

Sir Toke Talagi has already been in Auckland for nearly two months.

He said he was getting better but was still in need of treatment.

Sir Toke had serious health issues last year, requiring him to be medivacced from the island to New Zealand on two occasions.

Niue passes a deficit budget

Meanwhile, the Niue parliament has passed the 2017 Budget, leaving the island with a deficit of about $US800,000 dollars.