Tokelau has officially opened its first parliamentary session for 2021 in Atafu.
The main event was the inauguration of Kelihiano Kalolo, Faipule of Atafu, who takes over the Ulu o Tokelau role for 2021.
He replaces the Faipule of Fakaofo, Fofo Esera Tuisano, as part of the rotational leadership of Tokelau's tenth government.
In his inauguration address, Kalolo acknowledged the strong relationship between Tokelau and New Zealand.
"It is during challenging times such as these that our relationship and nationhood building work show its true value," he said.
"I wish to extend Tokelau's best wishes for 2021 to Hon Nanaia Mahuta, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and warm greetings to Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern.
"We look forward to continuing our work together for the people of Tokelau as our relationship nears its 100-year anniversary in 2026."
Kalolo also paid tribute to the support he received from the Taupulega (council of elders) and communities of Fakaofo and Atafu.
Outgoing Ulu o Tokelau, Hon Fofo Tuisano reminisced about his term which was dominated by the response to Covid-19.
"2020 has been a challenging year," he said. "I had only been elected for the first time as Faipule of Fakaofo and straight to the Ulu of Tokelau office in a global pandemic year that changed the norm for most countries in the world including Tokelau."
"It has been a difficult year but we successfully repatriated over 100 of our families back to Tokelau and held on to be one of the few countries in the world that is free of Covid-19."
Atafu Photo: Twitter / MFAT
Joining via Zoom from New Zealand, Tokelau's Administrator Ross Ardern acknowledged the work and leadership of the Ulu, Council and Covid-19 committee and their efforts to protect Tokelau from the pandemic.
He re-affirmed the New Zealand government's commitment to vaccine accesss for Tokelau.
"In a few weeks the New Zealand Government will consider further details on how we will provide access to the Covid-19 vaccine in Tokelau," he stated.
"The financial numbers around this support should not be the primary talking point. For me it is about a willingness to assist Tokelau in a meaningful manner that demonstrates the practicalities of the partnership."
The General Fono is expected to conclude its deliberations by Wednesday.