Tokelau air services at least five years away, NZ officials say

Wellington: New Zealand officials say it is unlikely Tokelau will make much progress towards an air service in the next five years.

Documents obtained by RNZ Pacific under the Official Information Act show Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials met in January to discuss the implications of commercial flights to the territory.

But they noted there is likely to be no action taken for another few years. The comments come after separate documents revealed Tokelau in June was identifying a location for an airstrip on the atolls.

The plans have the backing of New Zealand.

Heto Puka, Tokelau’s former finance director, last week met with the Taupulega, or council of elders, on Fakaofo atoll.

He said the leaders are set on progressing construction for an airport on Fakaofo as soon as possible.