Niue Marks World Meteorological Day with Launch of Children’s Disaster Booklets

23 March, 2026 – Today Niue marked World Meteorological Day with the official launch of the Vagahau Niue translated booklet series titled, ‘COPE: Be ready for disasters!’ The series aims to support national efforts to strengthen weather and climate services and information through community engagement.

The event, held in Alofi at the Niue Primary School, brought together Niue Government representatives, community leaders, meteorological professionals, and the Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) Programme staff visiting from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), to recognise the importance of meteorology in safeguarding lives and livelihoods, while also highlighting a new phase in Niue Meteorological Service approach to weather observation and supporting early warning systems.

World Meteorological Day (WMO Day) is observed annually under the leadership of the World Meteorological Organization. Regional partners such as SPREP and the Pacific National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) observe the occasion as an annual marker to underscore the critical role of weather, climate, and water services in addressing global challenges. In Niue, the 2026 observance focused on strengthening local capacity and enhancing the accessibility and accuracy of weather information  The theme of this year’s WMO Day is “Observing today, protecting tomorrow.”
A key part of the event was the launch of the COPE booklets, a resource designed to educate children and support communities to prepare and respond to natural hazards. 

For small island developing states such as Niue, where exposure to extreme weather events and climate variability is high, strengthening education and awareness on how to prepare for natural hazards is essential for disaster preparedness and risk reduction.

Acting Prime Minister Hon. Sonia Talagi was present at the event, alongside the Acting Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Talaititama Talaiti and other government officials and dignitaries. 

Hon. Talaiti delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Government of Niue, stating, “Preparedness is not only about warnings and data; it is also about education, imagination, and giving our children the tools to protect themselves and their families. When knowledge is shared in a way that children can understand, it becomes a shield of protection, not just for them, but for our homes, our villages, and our future as a nation.”

The Director of Niue Meteorological Service emphasised that the COPE booklets will play an important role in improving disaster preparation in communities, especially for children and young people, as they will go back to their families and communities and share the knowledge and information they learn at school.

“Investing in education resources that will directly support teachers and help children learn about natural hazards and disaster preparation and we acknowledge SPREP and the Weather Ready Pacific team in supporting the translation of the COPE books into Vagahau Niue,” said Ms Rossy Mitiepo, Director of the Niue Meteorological Service.

The WRP Programme Manager, Mr ‘Ofa Faanunu, during his remarks acknowledged the work of the Government of Niue, as showcased through the Niue Meteorological Services and its efforts that has culminated in today’s event. “Children are not just future leaders: they are today’s communicators, influencers, and protectors of their families. When a child understands what a warning means, where to go, and what actions to take, they become a lifeline within their household and community. This is exactly what the COPE initiative is about, translating science into simple, practical actions that save lives,” said Mr Faanunu. 

“Through the COPE booklets, we are not just observing and protecting; we are empowering. We are placing knowledge, confidence, and preparedness directly into the hands of the next generation.”

The translation of COPE books is being implemented as part of WRP’s support to Pacific Island countries and territories, to ensure educational resources are available in local languages which will support the long-term increased education and awareness of last-mile communities in preparing for natural hazards and disasters.

As Niue continues to enhance its weather and climate information services, initiatives such as the COPE booklets will support national resilience and ensure that communities and vulnerable groups are better prepared for the impacts of weather and climate hazards.

Today officially launched not only printed, physical copies of the booklets, but also the online full series which Niuean’s, and Pacific people alike, can now access freely to use as a disaster preparation tool: https://bit.ly/3PUoKfy. 

About Weather Ready Pacific

The Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) Programme is a decadal programme of investment managed by the SPREP endorsed by Pacific Leaders aimed at strengthening hydrometeorological services across Pacific countries and territories. WRP is committed to Pacific-led, inclusive, and transformative approaches to weather and disaster resilience. Financial support for the programme is provided by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, and the Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) of the United Kingdom.

For more information about the WRP Programme or the Niue COPE Booklets, please visit the SPREP website or contact WRP Programme Manager Mr Ofa Fa'anunu, [email protected] or WRP Programme Communications & Knowledge Management Officer Ms Angelica Salele-Sefo, [email protected].