Tokelau

Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand and part of the Realm of New Zealand. New Zealand has progressively devolved its administrative powers to Tokelau. Tokelau has its own political institutions, judicial system, public services (including telecommunications and shipping), and budget control.

Tokelau has a unique political structure. The position of Ulu o Tokelau, the titular Head of Government, is rotated annually between the leader (Faipule) of each atoll. The General Fono (national legislative body) meets three times a year and is made up of elected representatives from each atoll.
In consultation with Tokelau, New Zealand is responsible for Tokelau’s international obligations, its defence and security and its Exclusive Economic Zone.

Tokelau participates in some regional organisations in its own capacity (e.g. the Pacific Community, the Forum Fisheries Agency and the South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP)) and is an associate member of UNESCO, FAO and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Development cooperation and sustainability

Our shared vision with Tokelau is building stronger governance and more effective public services, enhancing inter-atoll connectivity, and adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

New Zealand assists Tokelau to provide essential public services and infrastructure for its people.

The latest information on our development cooperation activities, including activity details and descriptions, start and end dates, geographic and sectoral focus, expenditure figures, is available at DevData(external link).

People and culture

Tokelau is part of the Realm of New Zealand and its people are New Zealand citizens. Many Tokelauans live in New Zealand.

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme(external link) provides short-term training scholarships to Tokelauan professionals.

Trade and investment

Tokelau is highly dependent on two primary sources of revenue – fisheries revenue and budget support from New Zealand.

The physical characteristics of the atolls limit economic development potential, and the few natural resources and limited agricultural production are sufficient to meet only a basic level of needs in Tokelau.

Tokelau has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) stretching across 318,990 square kilometres and fisheries licence fees contribute significantly to Tokelau's budget.

The latest information about New Zealand's trade profile with Tokelau is available on the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).