Statements and Speeches by Ministry Representatives 2006

United Nations Special Political and Decolonisation Committee 2006 Session: First Organisational Meeting

Statement by HE Rosemary Banks, New Zealand Permanent Representative to the United Nations, 23 February 2006

Mr Chairman

Since Tokelau was first placed on the "list" in 1946 New Zealand and the United Nations have worked closely and well together to support the territory's move towards greater self reliance. The Special Committee has sent five fact-finding and two special missions to Tokelau since 1976. Tokelau and New Zealand have always been careful to keep the Committee well informed of developments in Tokelau. The partnership has, we believe, worked well for the United Nations, Tokelau and New Zealand.

New Zealand and Tokelau were delighted that the Special Committee agreed to send a high level delegation to observe the referendum held between 11-15 February.

We were very grateful that a United Nations team from New York was able to monitor the act of self determination. The UNDP presence from Apia was also much appreciated.

Although in the event the requisite two-thirds majority threshold was not reached, comfort may be taken from the very high level of participation and the fact that 60% of the voters supported self government in free association with New Zealand.

We can also be satisfied that the referendum itself was managed by Tokelau - with support from New Zealand's Electoral Office - to the highest standards.

The objective of self government has long had the unanimous support of Tokelau's political leadership - at both village and national level. It was Tokelau which initiated this exercise in 2003. Tokelau has driven it ever since. Every decision on the referendum has been approved by unanimous vote of Tokelau's General Fono and supported by all three Village Councils.

It follows some three decades of debate, discussion and experimentation with different governance and public service structures and systems. It has been underpinned by an intensive programme of dialogue and consultation in all three villages since the 2003 decision to formally explore the option of self government in free association with New Zealand.

Immediately after last week’s referendum, Tokelau's Council for Ongoing Government decided to conduct a series of meetings with the three Village Councils and the General Fono to consider the referendum result and to decide on Tokelau's future course of action. They will be enquiring into the reasons for a voting pattern that turned out to be at odds with the views of the political leadership. They have asked that the New Zealand Government keep the current "package" of the draft constitution and draft treaty on the table in the meantime. Their intention is to re-engage in discussions with New Zealand and the United Nations after this period of reflection and discussion.

We note that the Special Committee' emissary, Ambassador Robert Aisi favors such an approach and suggests that, while there will not be a change of status for Tokelau in the immediate future, it should not be ruled out for all time. In other words, that this exercise should be seen as a step along the path rather than a destination put another way, this should be regarded as "an" act rather than "the" act of self determination. We note too that Tokelau has not voted to remain a dependent territory of New Zealand - rather it has opted to make no change at the present time to the status quo.

We shall of course be reporting the Special Committee's reactions to our government. You may be assured that they will be given full weight as our government considers its formal response to the referendum result and to Tokelau's Executive Council's requests. My delegation will ensure that you are informed as soon as our position is confirmed.

In closing let me thank HE Ambassador Aisi and all members of the Committee for their continued interest in Tokelau and assure you of New Zealand's intention to continue cooperating closely with the Special Committee on the question of Tokelau. As the Deputy Secretary General has said, the Secretary General has expressed the hope that the New Zealand Government and the people of Tokelau shall maintain a constructive dialogue on the issue of self government. We are certainly committed to continuing such a dialogue and shall continue to value your support in this.

Thank you Mr Chairman.

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