Tokelau Country Report

Tokelau is a non-self-governing dependent territory of New Zealand. It has a constiutional monarchy and is a member of the Pacific Community.

The overall threat to business operations and visitors is low, with minimal security threats. Nevertheless, tropical cyclones can affect the territory between November and April, and can cause severe travel and service delivery disruption. Associated heavy rainfall can trigger landslides and flooding.

Tokelau experiences a low crime and minimal civil unrest risk threat environment. Kidnapping, piracy, terrorism, and armed conflict are not of significant concern. Petty crime can occur occasionally. International travelers can seek assistance from local authorities and their respective diplomatic missions.

There is no operating airport in Tokelau. Transportation to the island is provided by ship from Samoa. There are no major ports. Electricity, water, and telecommunication networks are available in most areas.

Tokelau’s road network is limited and there is no public transport, but most distances can be covered by foot. Boats connect the three atolls.

Tokelau is not considered a likely perpetrator or target of cyberattacks. Cybercrime is not a significant concern.

Tokelau has a hot, humid, and rainy tropical climate. Temperatures vary little throughout the year. Rainfall is relatively abundant year-round, with the wettest period November-March and a slightly drier period April-September. Tokelau is prone to cyclones November-mid-May and powerful storms can cause widespread damage to infrastructure. Earthquakes are rarely felt strongly enough to cause any significant damage; however, major quakes in the Pacific can trigger tsunamis that pose a threat to Tokelau.

Tokelau has average medical infrastructure. Due to the country’s small size and limited resources, the quality of medical care is basic. Evacuation to Samoa or New Zealand may be required for complex medical emergencies. Tap water is unsafe to drink, use only bottled or boiled water.

Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand. The relationship between Tokelau and New Zealand is led by the Administrator of Tokelau, currently Ross Ardern. Referendums on self-determination held in 2006 and 2007 failed to receive a two-thirds majority of votes.

In practice, Tokelau is largely self-governed through a de facto democracy. The Ulu-o-Tokelau, the titular head of government, is rotated each year between the leader (Faipule) of each atoll. The General Fono (national legislative body) is the country’s unicameral parliament – it meets three times a year and is made up of elected representatives from each atoll.