King Charles III honours 100-year relationship between Tokelau and Aotearoa New Zealand

A historic milestone for the relationship between Tokelau and New Zealand was marked today by a personal message from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The royal correspondence arrives as Tokelau celebrates the 100th anniversary of its unique constitutional bond with New Zealand.

The administration of Tokelau was transferred to New Zealand from Great Britain in 1926.

New Zealand's Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro attends the centenary celebrations in Fakaofo, Tokelau. Photo/government of Tokelau

In his message, the King reflects on the deep symbolism of the Tokelauan flag, which depicts a “canoe under full sail navigating toward the stars of the Southern Cross”.

King Charles says these stars have guided Tokelauans across Pacific waters for centuries, and he expressed his hope that the people take immense pride in their nation’s 100-year "voyage" and many achievements.

He says the Tokelauan voice remains vital on the global stage, particularly in advocating for the protection of small island states and the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of climate challenges.

The Atafu Tokelau Community Group in Porirua row their vaka to Wellington Pasifika Festival opening ceremony at the weekend. Photo/Positively Pasifika Facebook

The physical manifestation of this heritage took centre stage at the Wellington Pasifika Festival's "Arrival" ceremony last weekend.

A traditional vaka, built 13 years ago by the Atafu Tokelau Community Group in Porirua, navigated into the festival grounds to represent both ancestral ocean journeys and the modern Pacific experience of settlement in Aotearoa.

Directed by Pacific arts leader Bulou Nina Nawalowalo, the ceremony highlighted how these community-led projects continue to serve as a "living educational resource" for new generations.

The Atafu Tokelau Community Group vaka was built by the community in 2012-2013. Photo/ATCG Facebook

For Tokelauans, the handcrafted vaka were essential for fishing, inter-atoll travel, and maintaining connections with neighbours like Samoa and Fiji.

The preservation of these seafaring traditions remains a priority for the diaspora community in New Zealand

Leaders involved in the original Porirua build noted that the vaka’s continued prominence demonstrates the lasting value of investing in cultural initiatives.

The completed Atafua vaka sailing in Aotea Lagoon in Porirua. Photo/ATCG Facebook

King Charles says he and Queen Camilla have fond and lasting memories of meeting members of the Tokelauan community during their visits to New Zealand.

"Although, sadly, I am unable to join you in person as you embrace this opportunity to reflect on the past and look towards the future, I particularly wanted to send you my very best wishes for your celebrations," he says.

The Governor-General of New Zealand, Dame Cindy Kiro, and Dr Richard Davies are currently in Tokelau for the 100-year celebrations. They travelled to Tokelau from Sāmoa aboard HMNZS Canterbury.

The official flag-raising ceremony in Fakaofo, Tokelau to make the 100-year anniversary. Photo/Government of Tokelau.

The Governor-General's delegation will visit each of Tokelau’s three atolls - Fakaofo, Nukunonu, and Atafu - to take part in welcoming ceremonies, meetings with Taupulega (councils of elders) and Fatupaepae (women’s groups), as well as visits to major infrastructure projects, including schools, hospitals, and renewable energy sites.

The Governor-General’s visit aims to reaffirm the bonds between New Zealand and Tokelau - a non-self-governing territory within the Realm of New Zealand..

Watch the official 100-year ceremony in Fakaofo, Tokelau, below.