{{Short description|Premier of Niue from 2008 to 2020}} {{Use British English|date=July 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_prefix = The Honourable Sir | name = Toke Talagi | honorific_suffix = KNZM | image = Toke Talagi 2014.jpg | caption = Talagi in 2014 | office = Premier of Niue | 1blankname = Governor-General | 1namedata = Anand Satyanand <br /> Jerry Mateparae<br />Patsy Reddy | term_start = 19 June 2008 | term_end = 11 June 2020 | predecessor = Young Vivian | successor = Dalton Tagelagi | office2 = Minister of Foreign Affairs | term_start2 = 19 June 2008 | term_end2 = 11 June 2020 | premier2 = Himself | predecessor2 = Young Vivian | successor2 = Dalton Tagelagi | office3 = Minister of Finance | deputy3 = | premier3 = Young Vivian | term_start3 = 1 May 2002 | term_end3 = 16 May 2005 | predecessor3 = | successor3 = Young Vivian | office4 = | leader4 = | term_start4 = | term_end4 = | predecessor4 = | successor4 = | constituency_AM5 = Common roll | assembly5 = Niue | term_start5 = 19 March 1999 | term_end5 = 30 May 2020 | predecessor5 = | successor5 = | majority5 = | constituency_MP6 = | parliament6 = | term_start6 = | term_end6 = | predecessor6 = | successor6 = | birth_name = Toke Tufukia Talagi | birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1951|1|9}} | birth_place = Alofi, Niue | death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2020|07|15|1951|1|9}} | death_place = Alofi, Niue | party = Independent | education = Nelson College<br>Massey University | spouse = Emeline Fifitaloa | children = Sonya Talagi }}
'''Sir Toke Tufukia Talagi''' {{post-nominals|country=NZL|KNZM}} ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|oʊ|k|ə|_|ˈ|t|ɑː|l|ʌ|ŋ|i}} {{respell|TOH|kə|_|TAH|lung|ee}}; 9 January 1951<ref name="forumbio">{{cite web |url=https://www.forumsec.org/toke-tufukia-talagi/ |title=THE HON TOKE TUFUKIA TALAGI |publisher=Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref>{{spnd}}15 July 2020)<ref name="rnzdeath"/> was a Niuean politician, diplomat, and statesman. He served as Premier of Niue from 2008 to 2020.
In 1999, he was elected to the Niue Assembly as an Independent. He was elected premier in the 2008 general election. During his tenure as premier, he was also Minister of Foreign Affairs. He unsuccessfully ran for a fifth-term in 2020 and was subsequently replaced by Dalton Tagelagi. Prior to becoming Premier, Talagi was Minister of Finance from 2002 until 2005.
In the 2017 New Year Honours, Talagi was appointed Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM).
==Early life== Talagi was born in Alofi and was educated at Tufukia School in Niue and Nelson College in New Zealand.<ref>Talagi 2019, p 3</ref> He studied at Massey University in Palmerston North, where he completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science.<ref name="forumbio"/> While there, he was elected president of the Pacific Island Students Association and organised protests against nuclear testing and racial discrimination.<ref>Talagi 2019, p 7</ref> He married his wife, and they had their first child.<ref>Talagi 2019, pp 7, 8</ref>
On returning to Niue he worked as a livestock development officer.<ref>Talagi 2019, p 9</ref> In 1977 he became a member of the Alofi south Village Council.<ref name="Talagi 2019, p 22">Talagi 2019, p 22</ref> He later became president of the Niue Public Service Association,<ref>Talagi 2019, p 11</ref> and from 1981 to 1984 he was Niue's first Consul General in Auckland.<ref name="nzpost1">{{cite web |url=https://stamps.nzpost.co.nz/niue/2017/honourable-sir-toke-talagi |title=The Honourable Sir Toke Talagi |publisher=New Zealand Post |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref><ref>Talagi 2019, p 12-13</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19810624.2.65 |title=Niue opens Auck. office |work=The Press |page=7 |date=24 June 1981 |access-date=5 May 2023 |via=Papers Past}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-341967135/view?sectionId=nla.obj-345547748 |title=People |work=Pacific Islands Monthly |volume=52 |issue=3 |page=39 |date=1 March 1981 |access-date=5 May 2023 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> On his return to Niue he was appointed Director for Niue's Economic Affairs Office, and was responsible for major infrastructure development.<ref name="forumbio"/><ref name="knightcite">{{cite web |url=https://dpmc.govt.nz/new-year-honours-2017-citations-knights-companion-new-zealand-order-merit |title=New Year Honours 2017 – Citations For Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit|publisher=DPMC |date=16 December 2016 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref><ref>Talagi 2019, pp 14–16</ref> After leaving the public service he became an airline and shipping agent.<ref>Talagi 2019, p 20</ref> In 1992, he received a heart transplant, and spent the next several years living in New Zealand.<ref>Talagi 2019, pp 58–60</ref> In 1998 he became president of the Niue Rugby Football Union.<ref name="queenmeeting"/><ref>Talagi 2019, p 48</ref>
Talagi's children include Sonya Talagi.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/2025-04/HR2024036055%20AM%20-%20Meeting%20with%20Honourable%20Sonya%20Talagi%2C%20Minister%20of%20Social%20Services%20Niue.pdf |title=Aide-Mémoire: Meeting with Honourable Sonya Talagi, Minister of Social Services Niue |date=16 February 2024 |publisher=Ministry of Health |access-date=12 November 2025}}</ref>
==Political career== Talagi ran unsuccessfully for a common roll seat in the 1996 Niuean general election.<ref name="Talagi 2019, p 22"/> He was elected to the Niue Assembly in the 1999 election and was immediately appointed an associate Minister with responsibility for economic development and civil aviation in the Cabinet of Sani Lakatani.<ref name="tcp99">{{cite journal |url=https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/10125/13513/v12n1-231-236-politicalrev.pdf |title=Political Review: Niue |author=Stephen Levine |journal=The Contemporary Pacific |volume=12 |issue=1 |date=Spring 2000 |pages=231–236 |doi=10.1353/cp.2000.0020 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> In October 1999 he resigned his Ministerial position over Lakatani's plans to establish an airline, and submitted a motion of no confidence against him.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pireport.org/articles/1999/10/29/vote-no |title=Vote of No Confidence in Niue Premier Lakatani and His Cabinet Planned |publisher=Pacific Islands Report |date=29 October 1999 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> He spent the remainder of the term as a member of the opposition.
Following the 2002 election he was appointed Minister of Finance and Tourism in the Cabinet of Young Vivian.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/139341/sani-lakatani-remains-near-the-centre-of-power-in-niue |title=Sani Lakatani remains near the centre of power in Niue |publisher=RNZ |date=6 May 2002 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> In July of that year he was relieved of the Tourism portfolio in a Cabinet reshuffle.<ref name="rnz-2002-1">{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/140069/niue-premier-takes-over-tourism-portfolio |title=Niue premier takes over tourism portfolio |publisher=RNZ |date=15 July 2002 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> He was later appointed Deputy Prime Minister.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-16536950 |work=BBC |title=Niue profile – Leader |date=6 February 2015 |access-date=15 July 2020}}</ref>
As Finance Minister he was responsible for managing the recovery from Cyclone Heta and was the subject of public criticism over the distribution of aid and allocation of new houses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pireport.org/articles/2004/04/12/amid-wreckage-niue-politicos-jockey-2005 |title=Amid Wreckage, Niue Politicos Jockey For 2005 |publisher=Pacific Islands Report |date=12 April 2004 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> As a result, he narrowly missed out on a common roll seat at the 2005 election, falling two votes behind Maihetoe Hekau in provisional results.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154791/provisional-election-results-in-niue-indicate-the-finance-minister-will-lose-his-common-roll-seat |title=Provisional election results in Niue indicate the Finance Minister will lose his Common Roll seat |publisher=RNZ |date=2 May 2005 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> The final result showed an exact tie,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154892/two-niue-seats-still-to-be-declared-after-re-count-produces-tie |title=Two Niue seats still to be declared after re-count produces tie |publisher=RNZ |date=5 May 2005 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> and Talagi was declared elected after his name was drawn from a hat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154940/uncertainty-ends-as-niue's-former-finance-ministers-regains-seat-after-draw |title=Uncertainty ends as Niue's former finance ministers regains seat after draw |publisher=RNZ |date=9 May 2005 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> He was subsequently dropped from Cabinet.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155064/niue's-premier-drops-former-finance-minister-from-cabinet |title=Niue's Premier drops former finance minister from Cabinet |publisher=RNZ |date=16 May 2005 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref>
==Premier== [[File:The Premier of Niue, Hon. Toke Talag hands over the Queen's Baton Delhi 2010 to the Associate Minister Of Sports Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, in Niue on May 12, 2010.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Talagi with his eventual successor Dalton Tagelagi in May 2010]]
Talagi was re-elected at the 2008 election, topping the common roll in what was seen as a vote for change.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/177648/longtime-niue-mp-says-election-turnover-sign-of-mood-for-a-change |title=Longtime Niue MP says election turnover sign of mood for a change |publisher=RNZ |date=11 June 2008 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> He was elected Premier on 19 June 2008, defeating Young Vivian by fourteen votes to five, with one abstaining.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pireport.org/articles/2008/06/20/niue-has-new-premier |title=Niue Has New Premier |publisher=Pacific Islands Report |date=20 June 2008 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> As Premier, he introduced a new consumption tax to balance the budget,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/181986/niue-premier-says-consumption-tax-will-boost-revenue |title=Niue premier says consumption tax will boost revenue |publisher=RNZ |date=13 February 2009 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> established diplomatic relations with China,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/179981/niue-set-for-formal-ties-with-china |title=Niue set for formal ties with China |publisher=RNZ |date=24 October 2008 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> and attempted to negotiate with New Zealand for greater control of aid funding.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/179708/nz-and-niue-discuss-ways-to-improve-how-aid-money-is-used |title=NZ and Niue discuss ways to improve how aid money is used |publisher=RNZ |date=9 October 2008 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> When those negotiations were unsuccessful, he used the threat of seeking Chinese assistance to leverage a better deal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10583605 |title=PM faces blunt threat from Niue |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=9 July 2009 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/192693/niue-welcomes-changed-new-zealand-approach |title=Niue welcomes changed New Zealand approach |publisher=RNZ |date=22 September 2010 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> A major driver of his policies was to develop Niue and gain greater economic independence from New Zealand.<ref>Talagi 2019, pp 45–47</ref>
thumb|left|180px|Talagi in 2011
In August 2008 Talagi became chair of the Pacific Islands Forum. At the 2008 Forum meeting in Niue he used the position to focus on climate change and the need for new elections in Fiji following the 2006 Fijian coup d'état.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/178822/niue-premier-says-climate-change-and-fiji-elections-main-topics-at-forum-meeting |title=Niue Premier says climate change and Fiji elections main topics at Forum meeting |publisher=RNZ |date=18 August 2008 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/178893/forum-considers-suspending-fiji-if-it-reneges-on-election-commitments |title=Forum considers suspending Fiji if it reneges on election commitments |publisher=RNZ |date=21 August 2008 |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> The latter led to a diplomatic dispute with Fiji, calls for the Forum to split,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/181467/forum-chair-talagi-criticised-by-fiji-regime-over-post-coup-stance |title=Forum chair Talagi criticised by Fiji regime over post-coup stance |publisher=RNZ |date=19 January 2009 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> and in May 2009, the suspension of Fiji from the Forum.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/183448/chair-of-pacific-islands-forum-says-fiji-has-been-suspended |title=Chair of Pacific Islands Forum says Fiji has been suspended |publisher=RNZ |date=2 May 2009 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> At the next forum meeting in 2009 Talagi suggested that Fijians should take responsibility for their destiny and rise up against the military regime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10588931 |title=Niue head urges Fijians to 'rise up' |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=5 August 2009 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref>
In May 2009, Talagi co-chaired the 5th Pacific Alliance Leaders Meeting (PALM) with then Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso in Hokkaido.<ref name=matangi>{{cite news |title=Tongan PM to attend Pacific Alliance Leaders Meeting in Japan |url=http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/foreignaffairs/tonga_palm_pmattends_150509.shtml |work=Matangi Tonga |date=15 May 2009 |access-date=5 October 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20091003145955/http://en.tahitipresse.pf/print.cfm?presse=28105 |archive-date=3 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/183851/japan-increases-aid-to-pacific-after-palm-meeting-in-hokkaido |title=Japan increases aid to Pacific after PALM meeting in Hokkaido |publisher=RNZ |date=25 May 2019 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref>
Talagi was re-elected at the 2011 election and re-elected as Premier.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/197187/talagi-re-elected-as-niue-premier |title=Talagi re-elected as Niue premier |publisher=RNZ |date=18 May 2011 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> In his second term Talagi reformed the tax system<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/197306/niue-plans-changes-to-tax-system |title=Niue plans changes to tax system |publisher=RNZ |date=23 May 2011 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> and began free-trade negotiations with China.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/208010/niue-cautious-about-economic-partnerships-with-china |title=Niue cautious about economic partnerships with China |publisher=RNZ |date=23 October 2012 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> He continued to push for stronger international action on climate change<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1112/S00358/updates-from-cop17-niue-urges-world-leaders-to-leave-legacy.htm |title=Updates From COP17: Niue Urges World Leaders To Leave Legacy |publisher=Scoop |date=12 December 2011 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/201463/niue-premier's-optimism-after-climate-change-talks-tempered-by-slow-timetable |title=Niue premier's optimism after climate change talks tempered by 'slow' timetable |publisher=RNZ |date=13 December 2011 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> and announced an ambition for Niue to become 100% solar powered.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/208419/niue-aspires-to-become-fully-solar-powered |title=Niue aspires to become fully solar powered |publisher=RNZ |date=12 November 2012 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> In November 2011 Niue became a founding member of the Polynesian Leaders Group, a regional grouping intended to cooperate on a variety of issues including culture and language, education, responses to climate change, and trade and investment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2011/09/nz-may-be-invited-to-join-proposed-polynesian-triangle-ginger-group/ |title=NZ may be invited to join proposed 'Polynesian Triangle' ginger group |author=John Andrews |publisher=Scoop |date=19 September 2011 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> In 2013 he won a significant shift from the New Zealand government on superannuation portability, allowing Niueans to collect New Zealand superannuation in Niue.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/220784/niue-premier-says-nz-superannuation-changes-don't-go-far-enough |title=Niue Premier says NZ superannuation changes don't go far enough |publisher=RNZ |date=3 September 2013 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> In early 2014 a proposal by Talagi to house asylum seekers for Australia as part of its Pacific Solution was rejected by the Niuean Assembly.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/234079/niue-rejects-plan-to-house-asylum-seekers |title=Niue rejects plan to house asylum seekers |publisher=RNZ |date=23 January 2014 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref>
He was again re-elected Premier after the 2014 election.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/242441/niue-premier-re-elected |title=Niue Premier re-elected |publisher=RNZ |date=24 April 2014 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> In his third term Niue planned to privatise its health system<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/253151/niue-government-confirms-hospital-sale-plan |title=Niue government confirms hospital sale plan |publisher=RNZ |date=27 August 2014 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> and celebrated 40 years of self-government.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/257235/niue-celebrates-40-years-of-self-govt |title=Niue celebrates 40 years of self-govt |publisher=RNZ |date=19 October 2014 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> Talagi's foreign policy continued to focus on climate change, and he began a push for membership in the United Nations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/201821415/niue-to-seek-un-membership |title=Niue to seek UN membership |publisher=RNZ |date=27 October 2016 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> In 2015 he became the first Niuean leader to meet the Queen.<ref name="queenmeeting">{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/288394/niue-leader-meets-the-queen |title=Niue leader meets the Queen |publisher=RNZ |date=30 October 2015 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> In 2016 he was medevaced to New Zealand twice for medical treatment.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/302963/niue-leader-recovering-in-auckland-after-medivac |title=Niue leader recovering in Auckland after medivac |publisher=RNZ |date=3 May 2016 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/318441/niue-leader-in-nz-for-medical-treatment |title=Niue leader in NZ for medical treatment |publisher=RNZ |date=19 November 2016 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref>
In 2017 he announced he would seek a fourth term as Premier, saying that he had "unfinished business" to attend to.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/327247/sir-toke's-'unfinished-business'-includes-un-seat |title=Sir Toke's 'unfinished business' includes UN seat |publisher=RNZ |date=23 March 2017 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> He was re-elected at the 2017 election and again elected Premier.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.southpacificnews.com/sir-toke-talagi-to-serve-fourth-term-as-niues-premier/ |title=Sir Toke Talagi to serve fourth term as Niue's premier |publisher=South Pacific News |date=13 May 2017 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> In 2017 he again had an extended stay in Auckland for medical treatment, and as a result missed the budget vote.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/336741/niue-leader-extends-auckland-medical-stay |title=Niue leader extends Auckland medical stay |publisher=RNZ |date=8 August 2017 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> His fourth term also saw disputes with New Zealand over pension portability<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/354214/talagi-says-nz-pension-discriminates-against-niueans |title=Talagi says NZ pension discriminates against Niueans |publisher=RNZ |date=5 April 2018 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> and the government accounts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/368331/nz-warns-niue-over-revenue-shortfalls-budget-blowouts |title=NZ warns Niue over revenue shortfalls, budget blowouts |author=Mackenzie Smith |publisher=RNZ |date=11 October 2018 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> In 2019 he spent several more months in Auckland recovering from illness,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/398214/growing-concern-in-niue-over-premier-s-absence-opposition-mp |title=Growing concern in Niue over premier's absence – opposition MP |publisher=RNZ |date=6 September 2019 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> and on his return his brother Billy Talagi continued as acting Premier.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/399420/niue-s-premier-returns-to-island-but-not-to-office |title=Niue's Premier returns to island but not to office |publisher=RNZ |date=23 September 2019 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> The term was capped off by Niue losing control of its internet domain,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/415055/niue-loses-a-legal-battle-for-internet-domain |title=Niue loses a legal battle for internet domain |publisher=RNZ |date=24 April 2020 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> and a damning audit report into the government's finances.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/415858/niue-watchdog-committee-addresses-damning-audit |title=Niue watchdog committee addresses damning audit |publisher=RNZ |date=5 May 2020 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref>
Despite these setbacks, Talagi announced he would seek a fifth term as Premier in the 2020 election.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/415590/niue-premier-announces-attempt-at-fifth-term |title=Niue Premier announces attempt at fifth term |publisher=RNZ |date=1 May 2020 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> He kept a low profile during the campaign,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/417865/niue-premier-maintains-low-profile-during-election-campaign |title=Niue Premier maintains low profile during election campaign |publisher=RNZ |date=29 May 2020 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> and failed to win a seat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/417977/premier-of-niue-loses-seat-in-election |title=Premier of Niue loses seat in election |publisher=RNA |date=1 June 2020 |access-date=3 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://pacificmedianetwork.com/articles/end-of-an-era-for-sir-toke-talagi |title=End of an era for Sir Toke Talagi |publisher=PMN News |author=Ruci Farrell |date=31 May 2020 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> He was replaced as Premier by Dalton Tagelagi.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/418748/dalton-tagelagi-voted-in-as-new-premier-of-niue |title=Dalton Tagelagi voted in as new Premier of Niue |publisher=RNZ |date=11 June 2020 |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref>
==Death== On 9 July 2020, Talagi was again medevaced to New Zealand for treatment of a long-term illness.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/420831/former-niue-premier-medevaced-to-new-zealand |title=Former Niue premier medevaced to New Zealand |publisher=RNZ |date=9 July 2020 |access-date=9 July 2020}}</ref> He died at the Niue Foou Hospital in Alofi on 15 July 2020, shortly after returning to Niue.<ref name="rnzdeath">{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/421272/sir-toke-talagi-longtime-premier-of-niue-dies |title=Sir Toke Talagi, longtime premier of Niue, dies |publisher=RNZ |date=15 July 2020 |access-date=15 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://tpplus.co.nz/news-politics/former-premier-of-niue-sir-toke-talagi-dies-aged-69/ |title=Former Premier of Niue Sir Toke Talagi dies aged 69 |publisher=Tagata Pasifika |date=15 July 2020 |access-date=15 July 2020}}</ref> After his death, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that Talagi would be "remembered for his lifelong commitment to safeguarding Niue’s future security and prosperity".<ref name="rnzdeath"/>
Talagi was given a state funeral at the Alofi Ekalesia church on 28 July 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/422203/life-of-late-premier-sir-toke-celebrated-at-state-funeral |title=Life of late Premier, Sir Toke, celebrated at State Funeral |publisher=RNZ |date=28 July 2020 |access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>
==Recognition== In the 2017 New Year Honours, Talagi was appointed Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM).<ref name="knightcite"/> He received his knighthood from New Zealand Governor General Patsy Reddy in March 2017, who flew to Niue for the ceremony.<ref name=rnz0322>{{cite news |title=Arise Sir Toke Talagi |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/327181/arise-sir-toke-talagi |publisher=RNZ |date=22 March 2017 |access-date=15 May 2017}}</ref> New Zealand Post marked the occasion with a commemorative stamp issue.<ref name="nzpost1"/>
In November 2019 Talagi released an autobiography, ''Niue Rising''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tvniue.com/2019/11/sir-toke-takagi-writes-biography-titled-niue-rising/ |title=Sir Toke Takagi writes biography titled 'Niue Rising' |publisher=TV Niue |date=22 November 2019 |access-date=28 June 2020}}</ref>
== Citations == {{reflist}}
==Bibliography== * {{cite book |last=Talagi |first=Toke |date=2019 |title=Niue Rising |publisher=Xlibris Corporation |isbn=9781543495546}}
{{s-start}} {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=Young Vivian|rows=2}} {{s-ttl|title=Premier of Niue|years=2008–2020}} {{s-aft|after=Dalton Tagelagi|rows=2}} {{s-ttl|title=Minister of Foreign Affairs|years=2008–2020}} {{s-end}} {{NiuePMs}} {{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Talagi, Toke}} Category:1951 births Category:2020 deaths Category:Ministers of finance of Niue Category:Ministers of foreign affairs of Niue Category:Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit Category:Massey University alumni Category:Members of the Niue Assembly Category:Ministers of education of Niue Category:Niuean diplomats Category:Niuean knights Category:Niuean writers Category:People from Alofi Category:Premiers of Niue Category:People educated at Nelson College