HOW TOKELAU IS GOVERNED

GOVERNANCE OF TOKELAU 2008

Councils of Elders
General Fono
and
Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau

Tokelau consists of three atolls: Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo. The village on each atoll is governed by its own Council of Elders (Taupulega) which is the source of authority / pule. Administrative support structures for the 3 Taupulega are being set up to be operational by 1 July 2004.

The 3 Taupulega will have delegated collectively by July 1 2004 the authority of the villages to the General Fono regarding national matters for them to govern / manage on behalf of Tokelau.

The General Fono is the parliament of Tokelau and meets 3-4 times a year for 3-4 days a session on the atoll where the Ulu-o-Tokelau (head of government) resides. The position of Ulu-o-Tokelau rotates among the three Faipule to allow each village to take turn in hosting and witnessing the swearing in of parliament after general elections every three years.

[FYI - Rotation based on Feb08 GF decision as follows:

2011 - Fakaofo

2012 - Atafu

2013 - Nukunonu

2014 - Atafu

2015 - Nukunonu

Next general elections is 2011 and must be held no later than 31 January]

When the General Fono is not in session Tokelau is governed by an executive council called the Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau composed of the 3 Faipule and 3 Pulenuku (village mayors). This new composition of the Council was established at the November 2003 General Fono. Originally the Council consisted of the 3 Faipule.

Supporting the General Fono and the Council for the Ongoing Government is the national public service, consisting of the General Manager, Apia, and Directors of Health, Education, Transport and Support Services, and Economic Development, as well as other departmental staff.

Supporting each Taupulega is a General Manager (also known as Director or Coordinator) who heads the villages "Office of the Taupulega", and other public staff members including teachers, medical staff and the traditional workforce.

Members of the General Fono

Currently Nukunonu has 6 members, Fakaofo 7 and Atafu 7. The number of members is based on population figures from the last census.

Both Faipule and Pulenuku automatically become members of the General Fono.

Members of the Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau