Constitutional Glossary

This page is a glossary of native-usage terms that are found in the Tokelauan Constitution. The author is not a native speaker of Tokelauan, so any errors in interpretation should be reported to the webmaster.

Atafu

The furthest north and west atoll of Tokelau.

Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau

A body made of of the three Faipule and three Pulenuku, which assumes executive powers when the General Fono is not in session.

Faipule

An atoll leader, automatic member of the island Taupulega.

Fakaofo

The furthest south and east atoll of Tokelau.

General Fono

The Tokelauan legislature, made up of the members of each atoll's Taupulega.

Inati

A system whereby all fish caught by a village are shared by the entire village.

Maui

A powerful god of Polynesian mythology.

Olohega

The most southern atoll in the Tokelau chain, but administered by American Samoa, where it is known as Swains Island.

Nukunonu

The middle atoll of Tokelau.

Pulenuku

An atoll mayor, automatic member of the island Taupulega.

Taupulega

The Council of Elders - each atoll of Tokelau is governed by a Taupulega. The Faipule and Pulenuku are automatic members. Each atoll determines the other members of its Taupulega:

• Atafu: head of each family group
• Fakaofo: village elders
• Nukunonu: village elders and head of each family group

Under the new constitution, each atoll will elect one member of the Taupulega for every 100 persons on the atoll.

Tui Tokelau

A god worshipped by Tokelauans prior to the arrival of Christianity on the atolls.

Ulu-o-Tokelau

Head of the General Fono, held for a one-year term by one of the three Faipule. Also referred to as just "ulu".

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Last Modified: 11 Apr 2007
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