4 Jul 2007

Tokelau referendum dates for late October

3:32 pm on 4 July 2007

Tokelau's referendum on self-determination in free association with New Zealand is to be held from October 20th to 24th.

It will begin with voting for the Tokelauan community in Apia on Saturday the 20th after which officials will travel to Fakaofa for voting on the 22nd, Nukunonu on the 23rd and Atafu on the 24th.

The Faipule of Nukunonu, Pio Tuia, says the final count will be on Atafu.

The referendum comes after a vote last year narrowly failed to end the three atolls status as a New Zealand colony.