Young Vivian

Who is Young Vivian?

Mititaiagimene Young Vivian is a Niuean politician who has twice been the premier of his country. Representing the Niue People's Action Party, he defeated sitting premier Sani Lakatani in May 2002 elections. Vivian had previously served as premier for a brief period from 12 December 1992 to 9 March 1993 following the death of Sir Robert Rex. He had also previously been the secretary general of the Pacific Community from 1979 until 1982. He was re-elected to the Niue Assembly unopposed in elections that were held in April 2005. He was again re-elected unopposed to Parliament in the 2008 elections. However, he lost his position as premier when he was successfully challenged by fellow MP Toke Talagi after that election. Talagi was elected premier by the Assembly, with fourteen votes to Vivian's five, and one abstaining.

He has also been Niue's Minister of Health and Minister of Tourism.

In his political career, which has spanned over 30 years, Young Vivian has held most ministerial portfolios in Niue's government – mostly during his many years as a Cabinet Minister in the governments of Sir Robert Rex and of Frank Lui.