Proverb sums up historic court case for Tokelau leaders

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Ulu o Tokelau Afega Gaualofa. Picture: TOKELAU GOVERNMENT

WELLINGTON, 19 FEBRUARY 2019 (TOKELAU MEDIA UNIT) – The traditional Tokelau saying, ‘Taeao fakatiu te matagi’ describes today’s sailing from Apia to Tokelau for members of the Council of Ongoing Government. A feeling of confidence that a better future awaits just over the horizon.

Headed by Ulu o Tokelau, Afega Gaualofa they will sail the 28-hour journey carrying news of last week’s historic Tokelau High Court hearing in Wellington, New Zealand.

“‘Taeao fakatiu te matagi’, tomorrow the wind changes are our Tokelauan saying for good wind to sail on – move on to prosper as we return to Tokelau” explains Gaualofa.

“It is a saying that best describes our feelings as we head home to our elders, Taupulega and families. About how grateful we are to their support during this long-drawn-out process that has impacted us in many ways. Feelings that irrespective of the outcome of this court case, ‘tomorrow the wind changes’ granting us a new opportunity to move forward united as a nation. To become stronger by staying true to our fakaTokelau.

“More importantly we are carrying the news to the General Fono and Taupulega who have been awaiting the outcome of this long process.”

In a statement, Gaualofa paid tribute to the support of the three villages, the judiciary, Administrator of Tokelau and their legal team.

On behalf of the council, firstly, our prayers of thanks to our Father in heaven for his continued blessings in guiding us through a very significant and historic matter for our small country, Tokelau.

I wish to pay acknowledgement to our Tokelau communities both in Aotearoa and back home for the support, prayers and well wishes to allow the hearing to proceed peacefully.  This is a case that Tokelau will learn from in its forward march to a better future.

To the Hon Judge and the official staff of the High Courts for their respect to the laws of Tokelau that enable a smooth historic Tokelau high court hearing in Wellington.

To the Administrator of Tokelau and his legal team and officials for their strong support to our preparation for this long drawn out hearing.

To our legal team Richard Fowler {QC} and Su’a Hellene Wallwork for the tireless work and user-friendly approach that made such a daunting task so simple in understanding the laws and calming our nerves for a first time for me and my colleagues in Council to appear in the High Court of Tokelau.  And to our elder Faipule who travelled and continue to remind us of our faka-Tokelau of respect.

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