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Do you agree that Tokelau become a self-governing state in Free Association with New Zealand on the basis of the Constitution and as in the draft Treaty notified to Tokelau? | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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A self-determination referendum was held in Tokelau between 11 and 15 February 2006, supervised by the United Nations,[1] The proposal would have changed Tokelau's status from an unincorporated New Zealand territory to a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, akin to the Cook Islands and Niue. However, although 60% of voters voted in favour, a two-thirds majority was required for the proposal to succeed.[2]
The majority of Tokelauans reside in New Zealand, and were ineligible to vote in the referendum, in line with standard practice in United Nations mandated votes on self-determination. However concerns among this community may have influenced those who were eligible to vote, thereby contributing to the referendum's failure.[3]
The passage of the referendum would have removed Tokelau from the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories, as the Cook Islands and Niue were removed from this list when they were granted self-governance in 1965 and 1974 respectively.
- ^ Tait, Maggie (10 February 2006). "New Zealand's last colony to vote on future". NZHerald.
- ^ "Tokelau referendum does not produce a two thirds majority in favour of a change of status". New Zealand Government. 16 February 2006. Archived from the original on 14 May 2006.
- ^ "Tokelau leaders confident of stronger backing for next referendum on self determination". Radio New Zealand International. 13 March 2007.