Tokelau flag presented by the Governor-General

Tokelau flag presented by the Governor-General

The Tokelau flag was officially presented by the Governor-General Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, to the Ulu o Tokelau (Titular Head of Government), Aliki Faipule Foua Toloa at a ceremony held at Government House, Wellington, this afternoon (Monday).

The ceremony was also attended by other members of the Council for Ongoing Government, Aliki Faipule Pio Tuia and Aliki Faipule Kuresa Nasau.

This occasion marks a milestone in the history of Tokelau, a non-self governing territory of New Zealand, which has used the New Zealand flag for its official ceremonies up to now.

The flag, together with the national symbol for Tokelau were approved by the General Fono (National Assembly) in 2008, but could not be presented for use until official approval from the Queen.

The flag has the Southern Cross in the top left hand corner with a canoe in full sail in the right hand corner on a blue background. The Ulu o Tokelau stated that the Southern Cross signifies Tokelau's relationship with New Zealand and the navigational importance for the livelihood of her people in the past, in the present and the future. The blue background signifies the ocean which provides sustenance for the people of Tokelau. The canoe represents Tokelau's journey for a viable and sustainable future.

The flag will be officially launched by the General Fono, in October, 2009. The Ulu o Tokelau anticipates that the national anthem will also be finalised at this time. The approval of the flag, the national symbol together with the national anthem marks a milestone in Tokelau's nation building.

ENDS