Niue had no single national government or paramount leader until roughly the start of the 18th century, when a succession of patu-iki (kings) began, starting with Puni-mata, according to Niuean tradition recorded in the 'List of Niuean monarchs.' The best-documented patu-iki is Tui-toga, who reigned 1875-1887 and was the first Niuean king to adopt Christianity. The monarchy continued informally into the British protectorate era (1900) and New Zealand annexation (1901), after which Niue was administered as a NZ territory until self-government in free association in 1974 (covered by the atlas's existing modern 'Niue' record).
Absorbed into the British protectorate (1900) and then New Zealand's annexation (1901); the patu-iki title continued in a reduced customary role.
The standard modern history of Niue from first contact through the patu-iki kingship and colonial era.