Tokelau fisheries row: NZ rejects claims of increased control

Tokelau’s future access to a major Pacific fisheries revenue scheme is at the centre of a growing dispute after leaked documents raised questions about fisheries oversight and New Zealand’s role.

Aotearoa has rejected suggestions it has taken greater control over Tokelau’s fishing arrangements, saying the territory remains responsible for managing its offshore fisheries.

Tokelau, one of New Zealand’s Realm countries alongside the Cook Islands and Niue, was removed from the PNA Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) earlier this year.

The scheme allows Pacific countries and territories to sell fishing days to international vessels operating in their waters.

While Tokelau manages many of its own affairs, Aotearoa remains responsible for areas including international relations and defence.

The loss of access has created financial uncertainty for Tokelau, which has relied on fisheries revenue as an important source of government income.

Questions over Tokelau’s fisheries arrangements emerged after leaked correspondence from Tokelau officials to the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) raised concerns about changes to fisheries oversight and the territory’s ability to continue operating under the Vessel Day Scheme.

The PNA is a regional fisheries group made up of Pacific countries that manage access to some of the world’s largest tuna fisheries.

PMN News followed up with the PNA seeking answers to questions around the decision, the role of governance concerns, and the pathway for Tokelau’s possible return to the scheme but had not received a further response by publication time.

Tokelau’s Ulu (head of government) Afioga Aliki Faipule Alapati Pita Tavite and his leaders are seeking the territory’s return to the PNA Vessel Day Scheme after its removal earlier this year. Photo/PMN composite

In a letter dated 13 November 2025 to then-PNA Chair Ribanataake Tiwau, Tokelau’s then-Fisheries Minister Otinielu Tuumuli raised concerns that increased New Zealand oversight of fisheries management and operations within Tokelau’s exclusive economic zone had limited what Tokelau described as its ability to make independent decisions about its fisheries.

The letter stated that the changes meant Tokelau could “no longer operate as it used to” and raised concerns about the impact on its continued participation in the VDS.

Responding to questions from PMN News, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) rejected suggestions that New Zealand had taken greater control of Tokelau’s fisheries operations.

An MFAT spokesperson said there had been no material change to the management of Tokelau’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and offshore fisheries, and that Tokelau remained responsible for the day-to-day operation of its offshore fisheries.

"There has been no material change to the management of Tokelau’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and offshore fisheries.

Tokelau, a Realm country of New Zealand made up of three remote atolls, has relied on fisheries revenue as an important source of income for its government. Photo/CC by 2.5

"While New Zealand remains responsible for Tokelau’s EEZ under international law, Tokelau has consistently managed the day-to-day operation of its offshore fisheries within the EEZ. This has not changed."

The ministry also rejected suggestions that New Zealand officials had sought access to the PNA Vessel Day Scheme or related fisheries management systems.

"New Zealand officials have never sought access to the PNA Vessel Day Scheme or related fisheries management systems."

MFAT said Tokelau’s removal from the scheme was a matter between Tokelau and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), adding that New Zealand supports Tokelau’s efforts to regain access.

"Tokelau’s access to the Vessel Day Scheme is a matter between Tokelau and PNA. New Zealand would welcome Tokelau’s readmission into the VDS."

The Tokelau community from Rotorua performing fātele at the 2026 Tokelau Easter Festival in Auckland. Photo/Tokelau Easter Festival

The ministry said it was actively supporting Tokelau’s efforts to return to the scheme and stressed that New Zealand was not seeking access to Tokelau’s waters for New Zealand fishing companies or to PNA data and systems.

"Tokelau is seeking readmission to the PNA VDS as a priority. New Zealand is actively supporting these efforts."

Dr Transform Aqorau, Pacific fisheries expert and founding chief executive of the PNA Office, has previously said Tokelau's participation in the VDS depended on the territory maintaining enough operational autonomy over its fisheries.

"Tokelau's participation in the PNA arrangements had been premised on its ability to exercise a sufficient degree of operational autonomy over the management of fisheries within its Exclusive Economic Zone," the vice-chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University said.

Aqorau said that autonomy had allowed Tokelau to participate directly in the VDS while supporting its efforts for greater economic independence.

Pacific fisheries expert Dr Transform Aqorau says Tokelau’s participation in regional fisheries arrangements has been closely linked to its ability to manage its resources with operational independence. Photo/Supplied

PMN News sought fresh comment from Aqorau but had not received a reply by publication time.

Tokelau’s government has not responded to PMN News’ questions about the issue.

The VDS has long been seen as one of the Pacific's most successful examples of countries working together to increase the value of their tuna resources and strengthen local economies.

As Tokelau seeks to regain access to the scheme, questions remain over what led to its removal and what it could mean for the territory's fisheries income and long-term economic future.