Tokelau

Tokelau is a unique small island country in the Pacific comprised of three coral atolls: Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo. A non- self-governing Polynesian Territory of New Zealand, Tokelau’s administrative and legislative powers have been delegated to the Taupulega (Village Council) to manage, and issues of national interest to the General Fono (National Assembly) since 2004. Tokelau has no capital and a decentralized governance system. Currently the only means of accessing the country is via a 24- 30 hour boat trip from Samoa, 480 km to the north. The atolls are 3-5 meters above sea level. Developing infrastructure and access to Tokelau, particularly through air services, is one of the key priorities of the Government. Tokelau is gradually moving towards an act of self-determination and is seeking a greater role in global and regional fora.

Tokelauans experience a medium standard of living with high life expectancy, a traditional communal welfare system, and well-funded health and education services. Most of Tokelau’s MDGs were successfully met with the exception of MDG 7 (Ensure Environmental Sustainability) and MDG 8 (Develop a Global Partnership for Development). Extreme poverty and hunger are not known in Tokelau.¹⁶⁴

The 2016 Population Census estimates that there are 1,499 people in Tokelau, which is a 6.2 per cent increase from the 2011 census. High numbers of young job seekers emigrate to New Zealand, Samoa, and Australia, leaving behind the very young and the elderly. As a result, Tokelau has a greater number of people aged over 60 years than the regional average. Heavy migration has also led to an outward flow of skilled human capital, but this is offset by the receipt of remittances from expatriate Tokelauans.

Tokelau’s major source of national income is derived from the sale of fishing licenses in Tokelau’s Exclusive Economic Zone of 300,000 sq. km. that yielded US$13.6 million in 2016. For the same fiscal year Tokelau’s first estimated GDP stands at US$6,275 per capita. Land based agriculture is small-scale due to extreme topographical conditions, particularly soil quality, limited land area, and a fragile ecology. Almost all land is held under customary title. The Tokelau International Trust Fund, largely funded by annual contributions by Tokelau with initial contributions by New Zealand and Australia, has been paying dividends since 2014.

Tokelauan women are gradually engaging in major income generating activities such as public service, handicrafts, and self- employment reflecting the increased parity in school enrolment and attainment. The National Women’s Council aims to enhance women’s participation in the economic, social, and political arenas, mainly at the national and regional level. The 2014 national elections were the first to see a woman elected as a member of the Council (Cabinet) and appointed as a Minister. At the village level, women are members of the Taupulega, the highest decision-making body in the villages, indicating further potential for women’s leadership in Tokelau. Data quality, disaggregation, and statistics, particularly in relation to women’s health and security, are currently lacking and represent an area for continued development.¹⁶⁵

Maternal and child health outcomes are good in Tokelau. Healthcare and medicines are free, but the scope of health services is constrained by Tokelau’s small size and geographical remoteness. Sixty-eight per cent of the population between 18 and 64 are at risk of NCDs and this, coupled with an ageing population, signals a future increase in demand for health services.

Climate change poses the biggest threat to the survival of Tokelau and underpins all aspects of its development. Tokelau’s intrinsic vulnerability is due to its inaccessibility, its proneness to natural disasters, and its meagre capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from extreme events. All three atolls are situated in the tropical cyclone belt of the Pacific and are highly exposed to severe weather events and submersion due to rising sea levels. The country’s greatest natural asset, its marine resources, are already being depleted by overfishing and stocks are likely to decline further due to ocean acidification, rising water temperatures, coastal erosion, and environmental degradation. Without careful planning, the adverse impacts of climate change will damage local livelihoods, food and water security, and national revenue.

Tokelau has been at the forefront of calls to reduce global C02 emissions and is close to achieving an electricity supply based on 100 per cent renewable energy. The national government has demonstrated its commitment to protecting and preserving the delicate atoll and coastal ecosystems. A national waste management strategy was developed in partnership with Samoa to transport solid wastes, and in 2015 a national Climate Change Programme Manager was appointed to realign climate change with future national sustainable development priorities.

Coordination: UNV Manager of UN Programmes in Tokelau (Apia based), and support from RCO Samoa

Tokelau National Strategic Plan 2016-2020: “Healthy and active communities with opportunities for all”

• ¹⁶⁴Government of Tokelau and UNDP, Tokelau MDG Report 2012.
• ¹⁶⁵UN Women Asia and the Pacific – Tokelau.