A rare and historic visit by the Governor-General brought celebration and pride to the atolls of Tokelau in early February, as Dame Cindy Kiro marked 100 years of the constitutional relationship between Tokelau and New Zealand.
Her arrival by helicopter in Nukunonu was a defining moment for students at Matiti School, who gathered to welcome the Governor-General on what many described as a day they will never forget. Given Tokelau’s remote location — around 2,000 kilometres north of New Zealand and accessible only by flight to Samoa followed by a 30-hour boat journey — visits from national leaders are uncommon.
Travelling aboard the New Zealand Defence Force vessel HMNZS Canterbury, Dame Cindy was formally welcomed across the three atolls. Preparations for her visit had been underway for weeks, reflecting the significance of the occasion for the Tokelauan community.
A warm Tokelauan welcome to the Governor-General
Year 11 student Teuina described the visit as a blessing, saying it was special to witness the Governor-General arriving in Nukunonu on a beautiful day. Year 12 student Ulua reflected on Dame Cindy’s warmth and the time she took to visit the school and meet with students.
The visit also highlighted the growing educational partnership between Tokelau and Te Kura. Around 50 students across the three schools — Matauala, Matiti and Tialeniu — are currently working with Te Kura kaiako to achieve NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3.
This year marks the fourth year of collaboration between Te Kura and Tokelau, with support focused on kaiako professional learning, mentoring, and the delivery of NCEA programmes. In 2025, the three schools were approved by NZQA as a Special Examination Centre, enabling students to sit NCEA examinations at the same time as their peers in New Zealand.
The milestone represents a significant step towards achieving Consent to Assess status, strengthening pathways for Tokelau’s young people to access nationally recognised qualifications.
For students and whānau alike, the Governor-General’s visit was more than a ceremonial occasion. It underscored enduring ties between Tokelau and New Zealand, and the shared commitment to ensuring young people in even the most remote parts of the Pacific have access to meaningful, future-focused education opportunities.