Tokelau

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Tokelau, a dependent territory of New Zealand, adopted an official flag in 2009. Previously, the flag of New Zealand was used as the official flag for Tokelau.

Description[]

The flag features a yellow Tokelauan canoe sailing towards the Southern Cross represented by four white stars on a blue field.

Blazon[]

The official blazon of the flag of Tokelau is:

Azure a Tokelau Canoe Or in the hoist a constellation of the Southern Cross composed of four Mullets Argent.

Symbolism[]

According to the Tokelauan government, the canoe symbolises Tokelau’s journey towards finding the best governance structure for its people, whilst the Southern Cross symbolises a navigational aid for the journey.

History[]

1989 proposal[]

An alternative and unofficial flag has been reported. The three stars in this flag represent the three atolls which make up the islands of Tokelau.

2007 proposal[]

In June 2007 the regional parliament (General Fono) decided over the future flag, anthem and national symbol of Tokelau. The proposed flag depicted a stylized Polynesian canoe and four stars. The stars represent the three main islands and also Swains Island, administered by the United States (American Samoa) but claimed by Tokelau. As the required supermajority was not reached in the 2007 self-determination referendum, the flag was not officially adopted.

2008 final proposal[]

In May 2008, the local parliament, the General Fono, approved a distinctive flag and national emblem for Tokelau. The Governor-General presented the flag to the Ulu-o-Tokelau as Tokelau's first official flag on 7 September 2009.