Tokelau community reception

Ladies and Gentlemen, I greet you in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.

Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and (Sign)

May I specifically greet you: Mr Patuki Isaako, former Ulu o Tokelau; Father Penehe Patelesio; the Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Associate Minister of Pacific Island Affairs; Mr David Payton, Administrator of Tokelau and Director of the Special Relations Unit; Mr Filipo Lui, of the Special Relations Unit; Elders of the Tokelauan community in New Zealand, Sons and Daughters of Tokelau; Friends of Tokelau, Ladies and Gentlemen.

My wife Susan and I warmly welcome you to this evening to Government House Wellington, our home in the Capital.

It is a pleasure for us to host members of New Zealand's Tokelauan community just before we make our first visit to Tokelau. 

For Susan and me this is the "first leg of the double" before we meet the other members of the family of Tokelau on your beautiful atolls.  We have heard the stories of others who have been before us and we look forward to gaining a special insight from you, who are so much a part of Tokelau.

In constitutional terms, Tokelau is part of the Realm of New Zealand.  This means we have a special relationship—we are joined like members of a family.  This is very important for me because I am as much Governor-General of Tokelau as I am Governor-General of New Zealand.

The ties that bind Tokelau and New Zealand stretch back to 1925.  I will not recount that relationship in any detail, as I believe this is a time to affirm the important things that bind us together. 

We all share the common citizenship of New Zealand, with all the right and responsibilities that involves. 

Over more than four decades, Tokelauans have chosen to make their homes in New Zealand.  In the latest census, more than 6,880 people in New Zealand identified themselves as Tokelauan New Zealanders.  Of course, not all were born on Tokelau, but all are Tokelauans, tied by blood, heritage, culture and language to the wider "family of Tokelau."

Tokelauans are an important part of the wider family of New Zealand.  Like other Pacific peoples, Tokelauan people have enriched New Zealand's cultural and ethnic diversity.  Tokelauan people have contributed much to New Zealand's society, its culture and its economy.

The relationship between New Zealand and Tokelau has been dynamic.  Tokelau has taken on many of the responsibilities that previously would have been handled in New Zealand.

We only have to look at the responsibilities previously held by the Administrator to see how the relationship has evolved.  Instead of Mr Payton taking these decisions, they lie firmly with the Taupulega on each atoll, the General Fono and the Council for Ongoing Government.  We can all be proud this fundamental shift of responsibility to the people of Tokelau has taken place.

A fine example of Tokelau and its people exercising that responsibility is the decision taken by the General Fono to hold a referendum on self-determination in October this year.  We all wish the people of Tokelau well as they participate in this referendum, and we will all await with interest its outcome.  But whatever decision Tokelau makes, New Zealand will continue to support Tokelau's efforts to determine its future.

The relationship between New Zealand and Tokelau is strong and enduring.  It is captured very well in the Joint Statement on the Principles of Partnership Between New Zealand and Tokelau signed on 21 November 2003 in Fakaofo by representatives of both governments and in the presence of my predecessor, Dame Silvia Cartwright.

In that document, which covers many areas including economic assistance, defence, security, language and culture, New Zealand and Tokelau affirmed their ongoing relationship and shared past and agreed to build upon the close historical, social and cultural links between them. 

The family of Tokelau, both on the atolls and here in New Zealand, face many pressing challenges.  Within the wider New Zealand and Pasifika community, you are small in number and maintaining your culture, heritage and language will be a challenge.  But it is a challenge that must be met.   For that to be possible, much responsibility will lie in your hands, as members of the New Zealand part of the family of Tokelau.

For those living here, it is important to ensure your voice is heard alongside those of other Pacific peoples, Maori, Pakeha, and others from around the globe that call New Zealand home.

Hold fast to the traditions and language of your forefathers and mothers and be proud of your ancestry, your heritage, your language and your culture.

When I travel to Tokelau, I will give each atoll a piece of a three-part work of art, Journeys of Courage, designed by Auckland-based artist, Danilla Hulme.  The atolls are particularly important for her as her mother-in-law, Fonima Asaua, worked as nurse on Tokelau in the late 1950s.  I will also give each atoll a framed photograph so they can see it in one piece.

It celebrates your skills and the skills of all Polynesian peoples in exploring the Pacific.  The way your ancestors conquered the Pacific, the biggest ocean in the world and the last part of the globe to be settled by humans, is a tribute to the skills, courage and vast knowledge of the ancient Pacific navigators.

The people of Tokelau are now on a new journey.  It is a different voyage of exploration but it will be no less challenging.   You will need to draw on the strength and courage of your ancestors to succeed in this new voyage.

Look to the future, but never forget the past and the lessons it teaches us.  The ancient navigators looked to the stars, the birds and many other aids to chart their way across the Pacific.  For you, your language, culture and ancestry will be vital aids in navigating the journey ahead.

Finally, I am very much looking forward to my forthcoming visit to Tokelau.  I will be able to hear first hand from its people and so be better able to serve them as their Governor-General.

On that note, I again welcome you to Government House and invite you to enjoy our hospitality this evening.

I began speaking in all the New Zealand realm languages.  May I close by speaking in Maori, by issuing greetings and wishing you good health and fortitude in your endeavours.

No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.