Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist

Elections in Tokelau have been postponed after severe weather conditions delayed the ferry carrying the ballot boxes.

The 2026 general election was originally scheduled for Thursday, with printed ballots to be delivered from Apia, Samoa.

Tokelau's government has issued a strong wind warning for the whole country, noting heavy swells and storm conditions.

The government says there is a high public risk for Tokelauans to travel to the ballot boxes, including those returning to the islands to vote.

The MV Mataliki, a government-owned passenger vessel which sails between Tokelau and Apia once a fortnight, cancelled its scheduled voyage on Friday.

A new election date is yet to be decided.

Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand, with a population of over 1600 people.

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