The Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau is to double the number of ministers.
Up to now all portfolios have been held by the three faipule, or island leaders, but the mayors of each of atoll, the pulenuku, who are already on the Council, will now also have ministerial responsibilities.
The general manager of Tokelau's Apia based administration, Jovilisi Suveinakama, says this is a constitutional requirement but it had not been done because of fears the additional workload would impact on their roles in the villages.
"So that is why there was a certain reluctance from the community to give village mayors ministerial portfolios, but now I think we have come to a time where, through the advice of the Tokelau constitutional advisor, let's get and meet what is actually required under Tokelau's constitution."
The general manager of Tokelau's Apia based administration, Jovilisi Suveinakama.
