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Mr Chairman,
New Zealand welcomes the agreement today on the revised draft resolution on Tokelau, presented by Cuba on behalf of the Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (C24).
The resolution before us reflects the fact that the recent referendum held in Tokelau from 20-24 October 2007, the second in under two years, did not produce the two-thirds majority required for Tokelau to change from its status of a dependent territory to being self-governing in free association with
New Zealand.
Successive New Zealand governments have long taken the view that it is for the people of Tokelau to decide both the direction and the pace of their political development. We respect the fact that the voters of Tokelau have signalled again, albeit by the narrowest of margins, that they do not want such a change at this time and wish to remain a dependent territory of New Zealand.
Mr Chairman,
In practice, Tokelau is already exercising most of the responsibilities of a self-governing country. The delegation of all New Zealand’s administrative powers to Tokelau will remain in place.
As we move forward, Tokelau can be assured of the New Zealand Government’s ongoing friendship and support. We will continue our joint efforts with Tokelau to strengthen and improve public services. Major work on upgrading essential infrastructure is well underway, and Tokelau continues to make progress in ensuring that each atoll is able to operate as a vibrant, forward looking community.
At some time in the future, Tokelau may wish to vote on its constitutional status again. For now, those in Tokelau, and the wider family of Tokelau outside the atolls, will want to reflect on this latest decision. While they do so, it is important that all concerned with the future of Tokelau and its people know that Tokelau will retain the full support of New Zealand.
Mr Chairman,
In concluding, allow me to express the appreciation of New Zealand to the ongoing support and assistance provided by the United Nations to the people of Tokelau, including its much valued role in providing monitoring for the referenda. May I also express our thanks to the C24; to the traditional co-sponsors of this resolution Fiji and Papua New Guinea – and in particular the efforts of Papua New Guinea’s Permanent Representative Robert Aisi; and to you Mr Chairman and the Bureau and Secretariat of the Fourth Committee.
Thank you.
