Mother: Fisimonomono Tufaina from Avatele Father: Leslie Rex from Tasmania Sir Robert was the longest serving head of government in the Pacific and one of Niue’s greatest modern leaders. He helped Niue gain self government and was Niue’s first Premier. When he was a child, Robert was fascinated by Niuean culture. There was nothing he enjoyed more than sitting in the fales listening to the matuas [old people] telling ancient stories of Niuean heroes like Laufoli. As Robert grew older he wondered how he could serve the Niuean people. He decided to become an interpreter and peacemaker. Robert would travel to villages and help people solve problems. He had great knowledge of Niuean customs and people respected the things he said. Robert was good at his job. But he felt he could help Niue more by becoming a politician. Throughout the 1960s he watched other Pacific islands become independent nations. He wanted his own country to have more say in the way it was run. Niue had been a Protectorate of Britain before New Zealand took over in 1901. New Zealand and Niue had a close relationship, but many people felt Niueans could do a better job of leading Niueans and it was time for change. ‘We want to decide for ourselves what our future is going to be’, Robert said. From the late 1960s, Robert’s goal, along with two other important men in Niuean history, Terry Chapman and Young Vivian, was for Niue to gain self-government. They travelled to New Zealand and the United Nations and held fonos and workshops all over Niue. It was a long process. They wanted to do it properly, in a way the Niuean people would be happy with. In 1974, thanks to the determination of the three men, Niue finally became self-governing. At last, Niueans would have more control over their destiny. Niueans all over the world celebrate Aho Pulefakamotu on 19 October every year in memory of this event. Robert’s political achievements are impressive. He was the first Premier of Niue and remained so until his death in 1992. In 1984 he became the first Niuean to receive a knighthood. But Robert was also very humble. He was a man who simply enjoyed serving others. ‘We were in awe of him,’ says his grandson, Johnny Rex. ‘Just seeing the mana and the respect he had from years of long service. We were very fortunate to have grown up with a role model like him.’ Johnny Rex describes his grandfather as a defender of Niuean culture. ‘One of his favourite sayings was: “Kua lata e tufuga he maka ke mau tumau. Hiki fakatose kalau he tahi, matagi moe ua ka e mau tukulagi e mata he maka”. Niueans should try to keep as much Niuean uniqueness as they can because once it dies out, it’s gone forever.’ ‘He always said being small is no excuse for anything. It just means you have to fight harder to find your place in the world and be recognized. He’d be devastated by the loss of culture and language because he was always pro Niue.’ If Sir Robert Rex was alive today Johnny feels he would persuade youth to go after their dreams with all their might, just like he did. ‘One of his favourite sayings was “There’s no such word as impossible.” Set your standards and aim high. Anything can be done. Never, ever, give up.’
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 23:38:34 +0000
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