A 2-day Trade Fair showcasing beautiful traditional handicrafts from the remote island of Niuafo'ou is in progress in the Tongan capital of Nuku'alofa. Items include finely woven waist mats, bags and fans, which are being quickly snapped up by the local public.

Niuafo'ou lies 640km north of Tongatapu and has a population of around 750. The well-attended Trade Fair will end today and the Niuan organisers will return home on Friday. The income generated is valuable to the small remote community.

The small islands of Tonga are scattered over a vast area of the South Pacific. The most northernmost group are the Niuas, and are comprised of three small islands - Niuatoputapu, Tafahi and Niuafo'ou. Due to the remote location of the islands, and lack of easy access (air transfers are currently suspended), tourist numbers are far fewer than to the other Tongan regions. Visitors who do get to the Niuas, however, get to enjoy a rich cultural experience as well as witnessing beautiful beaches and scenery.