By Staff Writer
Tokelau is closing in on 100 years as a territory of New Zealand in 2026, an occasion raised during the first General Fono of 2021 on the atoll islands.
Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand, made up of the three small atolls; Fakaofo, Nukunonu and Atafu.
The newly elected head of the atolls, Mr. Kelihiano Kalolo acknowledged the strong ties with New Zealand in his new leadership role as the ‘Ulu o Tokelau.’
““It is during challenging times such as these that our relationship and nationhood building work show its true value,” Kalolo said in his inauguration address.
“We look forward to continuing our work together for the people of Tokelau as our relationship nears its 100-year anniversary in 2026.”
Kalolo takes over from outgoing ‘Ulu’ Fofo Tuisano whose term in office last year was dominated by the response to COVID-19.
The people of Tokelau are New Zealand citizens.
The population of 1499 (2016 census) is spread approximately equally among the three atolls (Atafu (541); Fakaofo (506) and Nukunonu (452).
The traditional lifestyle was subsistence but Tokelau has moved to a cash economy.
The only natural resource of any current economic significance is the fishery of its exclusive economic zone.
Tokelau has no main town; each island has its own administrative centre, hospital, school and basic infrastructure.
There are no airstrips or harbours although work on an airstrip to be located on Nukunonu is in progress.
Currently, access is by ship only, through the Port of Apia, Samoa.
There are approximately 8000 Tokelauans living in New Zealand, and smaller communities live in Australia, American Samoa, Samoa, Rapa Nui, and Hawaii.