Tokelauns have chance to 'paddle own canoe'

ATAFU - The people on the Tokelauan atoll of Atafu have the chance today (NZ time) to decide whether to paddle their own canoe, a United Nations representative said before voting started this morning.

Robert Aisi, representative of the UN's decolonisation committee (C24), promised Tokelau would not be forgotten.

He gave a speech before voting began on whether New Zealand's last colony should become independent.

Tokelauans had paddled and barged UN representatives and observers ashore after a day-and-a-half at sea, along with New Zealand officials, Mr Aisi said, and the Tokelauans could now paddle their own way forward.

"Self-governance is like you paddling your own canoe," he said. But he emphasised the choice was up to the people and expressed no preference.

"If you decide not to do that, we will be there to paddle the canoe with you."

The visitors were welcomed to Atafu in traditional style with song and dance and flower leis.

The UN representatives and other VIPs were carried over the surf in plastic chairs.

During official speeches before the voting, New Zealand Administrator Neil Walter reassured voters that the new treaty and constitution that would be put in place if the vote was positive would guarantee ongoing support.

He passed on messages of support from New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and from Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, who would remain the Queen's representative for the islands whether the vote was positive, or if the status quo remained.

One voter, Jim Samuelu, said he had voted for change.

The 32-year-old farmer grows crops such as banana and taro and rears pigs on the atoll of about 600 people, and said he fully understood what self-governance meant and was not afraid.

"But there are some people that don't understand," he said. "Some people are happy, some people are unhappy."

The islanders appreciated the attention the referendum was getting.

"It's nice they come and see what's really happening in our small island."

Whatever the outcome, Mr Samuelu said he hoped New Zealand, which provides Tokelau with about $9 million a year, would continue its support.

Tomorrow the referendum will continue on Nukunonu and voting will finish on Wednesday on Fakaofa.

Voting began on Saturday local time (Sunday NZ time) in the Samoan capital Apia.

There was a 100 per cent turn out of the 90 registered voters on Apia, including 37 special votes.

There are 615 people registered to vote, about 70 per cent of the eligible population.

- NZPA