A New Zealand government minister is heading to the territory of Tokelau tomorrow for the first ministerial visit since 2004.
Kris Faafoi's visit will be amid the growing concerns over governance in Tokelau and pending legal action against its government.
Mackenzie Smith is travelling to Tokelau with Mr Faafoi and has this report.
Things are tense right now in Tokelau - New Zealand's last colony.
There's concern over the use of millions of dollars of government funds on helicopters and property without proper approval
A New Zealand Administrator was ousted, two public servants were dismissed, and now there are plans to strip Tokelau's government of some of its powers.
The two former public servants are also suing the government and the new Administrator Ross Ardern over their dismissal.
Wellington community leader Luther Toloa says there's no doubt there's turmoil.
Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Transcript
"I've only just come back from Tokelau last week and it's the third time I've been back since I left in 1965 and without a doubt there is tension."
Kris Faafoi will spend as much time travelling in Tokelau as he will on-island - the trip is a four day whip-around to the atolls that make up Tokelau - Fakaofo, Nukunonu and Atafu.
He's there as Civil Defence Minister and will be making an announcement related to his portfolio
But he acknowledges there are issues in Tokelau which need to be worked out.
"Good governance is one of the many things we're trying to make sure we achieve and I think there's good work going on to assist Tokelau with that because of concerns we've had recently and I think the work that is being done gets us on that path."
Not only is his trip a first since 2004, he's also the first member of parliament in New Zealand of Tokelauan descent
His parents were born in Fakaofo atoll but came to New Zealand when they were young.
"Their reasoning to come to New Zealand was to give me and my siblings good education and opportunities with work and to now be going back to visit all three atolls as a minister and a son of Tokelau, I don't think it will quite hit me until I get a bit closer."
Mr Faafoi is a busy man these days.
The removal of Claire Curran and Meka Whaitiri from cabinet leaves him holding four ministerial portfolios.
He's also playing an oversized role in New Zealand-Tokelau relations, attending meetings in Wellington with the territory's government last month.
But it's the Taupulega, or village councils, on the atolls which are raising concerns.
This week's trip is not just a homecoming for Mr Faafoi. Locals will be hoping he can help ease the tensions there.
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