Tokelau leaders look forward to meeting Mr McCully in Apia

15 March 2017, Apia, Samoa

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Tokelau’s Council and senior officials in preparation for meeting with Mr McCully.
The Council of the Ongoing Government of Tokelau, led by Te Ulu o Tokelau, Siopili Perez, will meet New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Murray McCully tomorrow in Apia, Samoa.

The leaders, meeting in an informal setting, will discuss a number of issues, including Tokelau's National Capital Development that led to the purchase of two helicopters.

It is also an opportunity to reflect on the special case of Tokelau and its relationship with New Zealand as Mr McCully prepares to step away from politics at the end of May 2017.

“Mr McCully is one of the longest serving Foreign Affairs Ministers in any democracy, and today’s meeting is a chance for us to acknowledge his contributions to Tokelau,” stated Mr Perez.

“We recognize his efforts where our culturally village-based form of self-government, will stand the test of time if all the ‘canoe paddlers’ follow the guiding hands of our elders or the collective Taupulega (Village Councils) of the three.”

Leaders are expected to reaffirm their special ongoing relationship founded on constitutional links, shared endeavor, mutual respect and understanding.

The occasion will also be marked by an exchange of gifts.

For more information contact: Fatu Tauafiafi – fatu.tauafiafi@pacificguardians.org

See also:

Radio New Zealand 16 February 2017: NZ issues Tokelau a 'please explain' chopper purchase
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/324606/nz-issues-tokelau-a-'please-explain'-chopper-purchase

Radio New Zealand 15 March 2017: NZ gets tough over Tokelau helicopter buy
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/326652/nz-gets-tough-over-tokelau-helicopter-buy

Radio New Zealand 21 March: Tokelau angry over chopper buy
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/327076/tokelau-angry-over-chopper-buy