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Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban
Spokesperson for Pacific Island Affairs

22 October 2009 Media Statement
History made as new flag for Tokelau flies at Parliament
Today marks a historic occasion. It is the first time the Tokelauan flag has flown at Parliament in Wellington.

Labour Pacific MP's Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Su'a William Sio and Carmel Sepuloni celebrated the event together on the Parliamentary forecourt (pictured).

“The flag, which received the Queen's approval in August, is Tokelau's first flag, and will replace the New Zealand Flag, previously used to represent Tokelau on the international stage,” Labour's Spokesperson for Pacific Island Affairs, Luamanuvao Winnie Laban said.

The flag was formally presented to Tokelau's leaders by the Governor General on 7 September. It is azure blue with a stylised Tokelauan canoe in full sail in yellow, and a silver Southern Cross.

“The Southern Cross remains as a symbol of Tokelau's relationship with New Zealand and its role in navigation, so important in Tokelau's past. The canoe symbolises Tokelau's collective journey into a sustainable and viable future in a uniquely Pacific way, while the azure blue represents the ocean, so important in sustaining Tokelau.

"This is a hugely important day for Tokelau and the Tokelauan community,” Ms Laban said.

"I wish to congratulate the Government of Tokelau, including the Ulu o Tokelau Aliki Faipule Foua Toloa, and the Tokelauan people. I hope that their wonderful new flag will be a great source of pride," Ms Laban said.

ENDS

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