If two-thirds of registered voters vote in favor, this archipelago, currently under New Zealand's protectorate, consisting of three atolls with a total area of 12 square kilometers, could become the smallest self-governing state on the planet.
Tokelau is one of the 16 remaining non-self-governing territories on the UN list, along with Gibraltar (under British administration), Western Sahara and Guam (USA). Located approximately halfway from New Zealand to the Hawaiian Islands, the archipelago was captured by Britain in 1889, which in 1926 placed it under the administration of its dominion, New Zealand.
Tokelau's national income (mainly from the sale of tuna fishing licenses in surrounding waters and customs duties) totals only $2 million, while New Zealand annually provides $6 million in aid to the islanders. However, in the event of a declaration of independence, the archipelago will be able to receive aid from other donor states as well as various international organizations.
In any case, both local leaders and officials in Wellington do not expect a complete severance of ties. It is believed that in the event of a declaration of independence, Tokelau will immediately conclude a free association agreement with New Zealand, under which Wellington will retain responsibility for foreign policy, defense, transport, and other services vital to the islanders.
As New Zealand's administrator of Tokelau, Neil Walter, noted, the islanders have in fact been managing their own affairs independently for several years with New Zealand's support. 'An act of self-determination will simply formally cement the situation that already exists in practice,' he said in an interview with the Associated Press.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark responded positively to the referendum in Tokelau and assured that her country would continue to help the archipelago regardless of the outcome of the vote. 'In any case, residents of an independent Tokelau will retain New Zealand citizenship,' Neil Walter promised.