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What is the Self-determination Vote?

THE SELF-DETERMINATION VOTE

Referendum October 2007

THE FUTURE OF TOKELAU

Tokelau is a colony of NZ. Tokelau has the freedom to choose its own future and how to govern its own affairs. This is called the right to self-determination.

DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-GOVERNMENT

Tokelau is largely self-governing. However, ultimate powers are held by the NZ Government. In 2003, the General Fono decided that Tokelau would explore self-determination on the basis of a future of free association with NZ.

TREATY

A future relationship of free association would be governed by a treaty. There is now a treaty proposal and it records in writing the understandings and promises of both Tokelau and NZ and gives those understandings and promises a clear status internationally.

PROPOSAL

The key features of the proposal are:

NZ citizenship is guaranteed;
economic support based on the present system is guaranteed for the future;
administrative and technical support is recorded and secured into the future;
the option of integration with NZ is reserved as a possible future option;
the Trust Fund will continue to receive NZ contributions; and
NZ will support the preservation of Tokelauan culture;
Tokelau will be responsible for its international relations and will work closely with and have the practical support of NZ
NZ will provide defence, emergency, and rescue support
continuing and regular consultation between the Governments of Tokelau and NZ.

PROCESS FOR SELF DETERMINATION

The residents of Tokelau will decide whether to accept the free association package by voting in a national referendum. The General Fono has passed Rules relating to a referendum. The Rules establish a Referendum Commission to manage the referendum. The Commission will:

distribute information about the vote
compile a national roll of voters
decide appeals on voter registration
set the referendum date
count the votes and declare the result

CONSEQUENCES OF THE REFERENDUM

If the result is in favour of a future of free association with NZ, the NZ Parliament will repeal the Tokelau Act 1948. Then the NZ Government and the Tokelau Government will sign a Treaty of Free Association and Tokelau will no longer be a colony.

Tokelau will have a supreme constitution. It will have its own international identity and national symbols. The General Fono will have ultimate law-making powers.

If the result is no, the present colonial relationship with NZ will continue until a future referendum.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

To vote in the self-determination referendum, you must register before 2 July 2007.

Contact the Office of the Taupulega of your village to register.

Contact the Office of the Referendum Commission in Apia or see www.tokelau.org.nz for further information on self-determination or the referendum.