Tokelau may vote again on independence

Tokelauans welcomed referendum monitors before islanders voted against splitting from NZ. Picture / MFAT

Tokelau could have another referendum within two years, one of its top leaders says.

The tiny and remote group of atolls have decided to remain a colony of New Zealand instead of opting for self-governance in free association with New Zealand. A two thirds majority was needed for change but fell about 30 votes short in the result announced yesterday.

Until last night, Pio Iosefo Tuia was Tokelau leader (Ulu). He remains mayor (Faipule) of Nukunonu, and is a strong advocate for Tokelau taking charge of its own destiny.

He said: "It was the first referendum, it's a historical time for Tokelau to come through -- the 60 per cent we have at the moment really guaranteed what we want to do in the very near future. The next one is not far from now."

He said the opposition was small but more education and consultation was needed.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said today New Zealand would wait for the "dust to settle", but much would depend on whether another vote was held.

Mr Tuia said it was possible the large expatriate population, about 7000 in New Zealand alone, who were not eligible to vote may have influenced opinion locally.

"We had some opinions of those in New Zealand -- they have been so strong saying we are wiping away their rights to determine the future, that's another influence."

Mr Tuia is worried the people's spirit will lose its vigour after 80 years as a New Zealand colony following British annexation in 1889.

The role of Ulu has now passed to Kolouei O'Brien of Fakaofo. New Zealand Administrator Neil Walter also passes his job on to someone else.

The vote means Tokelau will remain on a United Nations list of non-self governing territories.

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the UN team deployed to monitor the vote concluded "that the referendum was credible and reflected the will of the people".

"The United Nations will continue working to ensure that the people of all remaining non-self-governing territories have such opportunities to exercise their right to self-determination," chief UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Helen Clark said Tokelau was largely self-governing anyway and New Zealand would now take a pause before looking at how the relationship would continue.

This could mean reviewing the role of the current administrator who currently acted as a point of contact between New Zealand and the local government body in Tokelau.

"But we have to proceed in a way which is absolutely consistent with how the United Nations sees the appropriate administration of what are considered dependent territories," she told National Radio.

- NZPA, REUTERS

* Maggie Tait's visit to the Tokelau Islands was sponsored by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation