Transcript
It's been a year since Jovilisi Suveinakama and Heto Puka were fired from Tokelau's public service, over their role in the purchase of two helicopters and land, using millions of dollars of government funds.
They are alleged to have spent the money without proper approval.
The pair are taking Tokelau's government, its Ulu, or titular head, Afega Gaualofa and New Zealand's Administrator to the territory, Ross Ardern to court over their dismissals.
Mr Suveinakama and Mr Puka say they were made scapegoats for the mistakes of their leaders.
In Tokelau, the Faipule, or leaders, of the three atolls are united in at least one thing: don't talk about the court case.
"Let the court decide all these things and you're not going to drag me into... as I said, let the court decide the outcome of the thing."
That's the Ulu, Mr Gaualofa.
Despite his position, members of his Taupulega, or council of elders, in Fakaofo atoll are in open rebellion against him.
Last year, the Fakaofo Taupulega granted Mr Suveinakama and Mr Puka's $NZ50,000 towards their legal fees.
Mr Gaualofa says he was away from the council when this was agreed to.
Taupulega members say they're concerned the pair were dismissed before an investigation report into their conduct was made public.
The investigation, which led to their dismissal, was conducted by Aleki Silao and reviewed by Commissioner Casimilo Perez.
Speaking through a translator, Safiti Vavega says the elders have been kept in the dark.
"The main issue for us is an issue of disobedience. We have asked our servants, Aleki and Casimilo, to do some work for us and they have not done that to date and we are still waiting. So the decision against Heto and Joe to be dismissed should be reversed."
Another Taupulega member, Tinielu Tumuuli, says he's also unhappy the report has been withheld.
"It's unfair for me to make a decision because a decision might depend on the report. But there's no report for us, but we make the decision. Why are you going and make the decision but we have no report at the moment?"
Mr Gaualofa says the release of the report is now pending the court case, which has a hearing set for February.
He says the court process should be done right to ensure justice.
"If, at the end of all this, the court decides Heto and Joe are in the right, then let them come in and let's work together. And obviously if the court decides that then obviously they did nothing wrong."
Mr Suveinakama's former position in Tokelau's government as General Manager was replaced last month by Aukusitino Vitale, a former private secretary to Siopili Perez, the Faipule of Nukunonu atoll.
Mr Suveinakama has since found other work and is now based in Fiji.
Mr Puka's position as the former finance director has been advertised this year but a replacement has not been found.
