General Fono Decisions August 2005

FONO DECISIONS

GENERAL FONO

20 to 23 August 2005

Nukunonu

TOKELAU

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL FONO RESOLUTIONS 21 AUGUST 2005

The General Fono resolved to:

• accept the draft agenda as it related to the Treaty and Supporting Documents, Referendum Rules 2005, Constitution and Law proposals and that the discussion should proceed on the basis on the package as presented (inviting Villages to raise specific concerns on an article by article basis);
• agree that all the law proposals (including Territorial Sea and EEZ) would be included in the agenda.
• agree to include2005/06 budget in the General Fono Agenda;
• agree to defer the issue of the Salary Reviews for discussion by the Council of the Ongoing Government in their Apia meeting;
• agree that if there is time, the General Fono shall discuss the nuku remits;

The General Fono resolved to:

Paragraph 3: The economic support and infrastructure development support referred to in this article shall be separate from support provided under articles 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8, special purpose grants that may be agreed from time to time, and regional development assistance funding programme

"7 By agreement with the Director, Tokelau may from time to time appoint one or more Tokelau public servants to be located in and work with the Unit to carry out tasks for Tokelau. The appointments may be on an ongoing kind or on a fixed term basis where a specific task is involved."

"2(2) New Zealand undertakes to work with Tokelau and provide support for honouring this commitment.

The Fono agree:

The General Fono agree to the amended Rules

The General Fono adopt the Rules

The General Fono agree that:

On the basis of the General Fono Resolutions, the Council shall, on behalf of Tokelau, negotiate with New Zealand a treaty package for a future relationship of free association with New Zealand, which would be appropriate as the basis for a Tokelau referendum on decolonisation. If necessary the Council will consult with their Taupulega.

The General Fono agree to Option 2 as a basis for the next 6 months while nuku and department continue to investigate the budget overspent from last financial year. Council for the Ongoing Government was asked to further discuss the issue in their Apia meeting.

The General Fono agree to extend, on behalf of the people of Tokelau, their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of David Lange at this sad time. The Fono also agree that Council of the Ongoing Government further discuss this in their Apia meeting.

We were honoured when he came to Tokelau in 1985, being only the second New Zealand Prime Minister to step ashore on our coral atolls. Tokelau retains wonderful memories of his visit. His warmth, humour and friendliness are still fondly remembered.

Ni aua
Ni aua
He paepae fatua
Kae pae kilei e fualima
Paepae kilei e fuaiva
Hilia te tama
Pe fano muhu
Te tama
Nae tonu ai nuku
Hilia te tama pe na fano ita
Te tama nae tonu ai kita
Mo Ia e.

Never-
Never-
Do not put rough and dull pebbles
But use the pebbles from the mother of pearl
In rows of five
Up to rows of nine
Why are you leaving us now
Why are you leaving us so suddenly
Because you are a founder of Tokelau
Have we wronged you
Cause anger in your heart
Because you, the son of Tokelau
You have assured us of a brighter future
But come now
Go your way
Dear beloved friend

...............................................
Mikaele F Perez
Chairperson

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Date

1. DEATH OF RT. HON. DAVID LANGE