Three specks in the ocean take big step towards little nationhood

The Times
Feb. 12, 2006

THREE specs of coral in the Pacific inhabited by 1,500 people are bidding today to cast off the colonial yoke and become the world’s smallest state.

The emerging nation of Tokelau, lying midway between Hawaii and New Zealand, and boasting a territory that could easily fit into Guernsey five times, is holding a referendum on self-rule and free association with New Zealand, its colonial master. Votes will be cast first in the Samoan capital, Apia, where many Tokelauans live and work. The process, supervised by four UN observers, will continue on Monday in the three coral atolls covering little more than 5 sq miles (12 sq km) that make up the fledgeling state.

For Tokelau to become free, two thirds of the voters must be in favour. Seized by Britain in 1889, Tokelau was placed under New Zealand’s administration in 1926. It has no airport, harbour or capital city, and can only be reached by a 28-hour ship journey from Samoa.

Even Tokelau’s three atolls are isolated from one another. The northernmost, Atafu, lies 60 miles (97km) from Nukunonu, which is 40 miles from Fakaofo. The use of paddle boats between the atolls was banned after an entire cricket team perished on one such trip during the Second World War.

Island leaders say that the majority of residents support self-governance. But some have voiced concern that the atolls will languish without close ties to New Zealand, which contributes more than Ł3.5 million, or 80 per cent of Tokelau’s annual budget. The territory generates about Ł1.2 million a year, mainly from tuna-fishing rights.

New Zealand promises to continue supporting Tokelau through a treaty of free association that will provide aid, transport and other crucial help.

A trust fund, which currently amounts to Ł9.7 million, has been set up, and residents would be eligible for aid from other countries and international organisations. They would also retain rights to New Zealand citizenship.

Neil Walter, New Zealand’s administrator for Tokelau, said: “Up to now Tokelau has had to take New Zealand’s word for its support, but in future it will be bound by a treaty.

“What they are exploring . . . is self-government, which is full control over their own affairs with continuing New Zealand support.”

About 14,000 Tokelauans live outside the islands — half of them in New Zealand — and are unable to cast their votes. The results of the vote are expected by Thursday, unless the ship carrying the ballot papers is delayed.