Alofi, Niue
A new digital civil registration and vital statistics system (CRVS) became available in Niue today, 9 November 2023. It makes the birth and death registration easier for Niuean’s and improves efficiency for Justice, Health, Community Services and Statistics staff. Niue is the first country in the world to fully implement the OpenCRVS software.
The journey towards a digital system for Niue started in 2020 when the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), with funding from Bloomberg Data for Health, worked with Niuean public servants to map current processes and identify areas for improvement. Cabinet agreed late in 2022 that OpenCRVS should be implemented for Niue and during 2023 it was configured to meet Niue’s needs. This was supported by Plan International Australia, Vital Strategies, and the Pacific Community SPC. This week advisers from OpenCRVS, SPC and Beyond Essentials were in Alofi training staff from all agencies, including Niue Telecom. The new system – NiueCRVS - was formally launched today by the Honourable Sonya Talagi - Acting Premier and Minister for Social Services.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Darren Tohovaka (Secretary of Justice and Registrar) said “Moving to a digital system will make it easier for parents and for those who have lost a loved one. It will make our office more efficient and eliminate delays in waiting for a birth or a death certificate. NiueCRVS will also allow us to exchange information electronically between health, justice, community services and statistics. Our records will also be safe if there is a natural disaster”.
Minister Talagi said “This is a major achievement for the Government of Niue, with help from our international partners – OpenCRVS, Plan International and the Pacific Community. I am thrilled that Niue is the first in the world to implement OpenCRVS and I look forward to sharing our experience with our Pacific neighbours.”
“Niue is leading the world. The civil registration system in Niue is already very good, with all births and deaths registered. The new digital platform will make it even better and lays the foundation for future services, like applying for a New Zealand passport.” said Jeff Montgomery, previous NZ Registrar General and now with the Pacific Community SPC, and in Niue this week.