Tokelau Keeps NZ Ties

Tokelau has voted to remain a NZ colony in its second referendum on the issue in 15 months. The vote for self-governance, which required a two-thirds majority,fell short by 16 ballots. “There’ll be another day,” said Tokelau’s leader, Kuresa Nasau, in the NZ Herald. The tiny cluster of coral atolls is populated by just 1447 people, and has been under colonial government for 13 years. Despite its official status as a colony, it has effectively governed itself along traditional lines the entire time. However, those in favour of self-governance believe that cutting ties with NZ would open the country up to international aid. “With our current status as a colony, we have no political arrangement to meet China, the US and others,” said Nasau. “We do not have any authority to make treaties with others.” Over 6 Tokelauans live in NZ.