Alapati Pita Tavite has been sworn in as the 12th Ulu o Tokelau, beginning his second term as the territory’s head of government during the centennial year of Tokelau’s relationship with New Zealand.
The inauguration was held on Monday at Talikilagi, Nukunonu’s traditional meeting house, where delegations from Atafu and Fakaofo joined the community to celebrate the historic event.
Tavite’s second term coincides with the centennial of Tokelau’s relationship with New Zealand, which began when the territory was placed under New Zealand administration in 1926 by Britain.
“It is a privilege and an honour to be Ulu o Tokelau during this 100-year celebration,” Tavite said in a Zoom interview with RNZ Pacific.
Tavite returns to the Uluship after first serving in the role in 2023, and said that being elected again has been encouraging.
“It shows that the people felt I did something right and supported the recommendations and solutions we worked on during my previous term. It is a pleasure to return to the role and continue what we started.”
Under Tokelau’s unique governance system, the Uluship rotates annually among the three atolls of Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo, with the serving Faipule assuming the role and chairing the Council for the Ongoing Government.
Reflecting on his first term, Tavite said the experience brought both pressure and growth.
“There was a lot of pressure, especially being one of the younger leaders of Tokelau,” he said.
“But it also gave me confidence, particularly meeting other leaders across the Pacific and representing Tokelau in places I never expected I would reach.”
Tavite said that, like with anything worth gaining, the role also taught him to approach challenges with patience.
“In Tokelau, things don’t always happen as quickly as we would like. Because of our isolation, transport challenges and the realities of living on small islands, you have to be patient if you want things to happen.”
Looking ahead, Tavite said there is still a long way to go in Tokelau’s journey.
He highlighted strengthening Tokelau economic developments, particularly as the territory explores new sources of revenue.
“At the moment, Tokelau relies heavily on New Zealand’s annual budget support. We need to look at other avenues that can help generate revenue for Tokelau,” he said.
He also acknowledged Tokelauans living abroad, saying they remain an important part of the island nation’s future.
“There is a Tokelau proverb that says ‘Ko ki tatou e taumanu kehekehe, kae e ulupuka fakatahi’,” Tavite said.
The proverb is a metaphor speaking of a flock of birds that scatter across the oceans to fish, each searching for a catch to bring back to the same shore.
“You can take any pathway you want, spread your wings and fly anywhere in search of your goal or the catch you want, but we return to the same tree or resting place – our roots,” Tavite explained while urging Tokelauans in diaspora to share and contribute the skills and knowledge they have gained to help Tokelau.
“We have one Tokelau,” Tavite said, adding, “no matter where you are, you are more than welcome to share or contribute in whatever way to keep Tokelau on the map or to keep our Vaka on the surface,” he said.
