"A T A F U" TOKELAU ISLANDS

 
 

The Tokelau Islands are located north of Samoa - about 300 miles and are a New Zealand Territory. The Supply vessel arrives about every other month and all Passengers, Supplies and Cargo are brought to the Island this way. The Vessels anchors on the sea-ward side of the reef and 'whaleboats' bring the Passengers and goods to shore.

After crossing the reef, the 'whaleboat' makes it's way to shore. Passengers and some of their belongings are crowded into the whaleboat enroute to shore. Afterwards other goods, cases and supplies are brought to shore.

The 'Whaleboats' are powered by an engine as well as oars. At times, due to unforseen waves etc. one will hit the reef and passengers have to swim ashore and goods are often lost. On two occasions, I had to swim when the whale-boat overturned.

It is an occasion when the Ship arrives and many locals come down to see who is returning as well as the visitors. Cargo brought to shore are usually put into the 'sheds' until sorted out.

Passengers boarding the 'Supply Vessel'
from the 'Whale-boat'. In rough seas,
this is often very dangerous.
Passengers go up and down the ship's ladder
and into the 'whale-boat'. This picture is 
taken from the 'whale-boat'.
The main ship is in the background and the
whale-boat coming ashore. This is low tide
and looks like most of the supplies will now have to 
be carried through the shallow water.
The Senior Chap in charge of the 'whale-boat' with
the rudder. He does all the 'judging and ordering of
the younger boys - usually four. The boy in the water 
will walk the boat in shallow waters. He will also
help carry/assist passengers if the boat tips
over. During each Island visit, usually there is
at least one boat capsizes. When walking in the
water, you often get cut by the sharp coral.
Unloading the cargo and carrying it ashore
if it is low-tide.
As Island girl holding a local-made 'Basket'. The
flower design is made with 'wool' and the round
shape was made using a Coconut Shell which is still
inside.
Local Mother and Baby.
An 'Atafu Family' with Saipai on the
right-hand side.
Young Island Boys with wild birds which are
very tame. In some Island Groups, the people
appear cruel to 'birds' - but not in the Tokelaus.
A small island within the lagoon at
'Atafu'.
Several boys on their 'out-rigger' at
dusk.
A 'Korean Fishing Boat' which was grounded
on the 'Atafu Reef'.
A family and their home.
A man making a 'Toluma' - a Fishing Box where tackle is carried. These boxes are very valuable
as few people can make them now, though they are still used. The idea is
that if your out-rigger tips over at sea, that the box will float and the
fishing tackle won't get lost at sea.
A lady making a basket. A 'coconut' is 
inside making the shape of it round.
A partly made 'basket' showing the coconut
shell.
Several styles of 'Tokelau Fans'. These are
well-known throughout the Pacific as the weaving
is smaller and makes them more sought after.
A village scene. Coconut husks in the foreground
are probably there for the pigs.
The main track through the village at
'Atafu'.
On the way to Church or somewhere special.
Young girls in front of their 'Fale' House.
The 'mats' or shudders can be tied up in fine
weather or lowered in the event of rain or privacy.
Typical 'Cooking Fale(house) using hot
coral. These Island are made of coral so
there is white coral everywhere.
A typical Envelope posted from 'Atafu' with a colourful set of the 1975 'Fish' Stamps. (there are many beautiful fish in the Tokelau lagoons). This Registered Envelope was posted off the Nauru Ship 'M.V. Cenpac Rounder' which used to visit the Tokelau's bi-monthly with supplies.

I trust you have enjoyed my Pages on "Atafu" and that perhaps you will also visit my Pages on "Fakaofo" and "Nukunonu".

Nukunonu - http://www.oocities.org/david123_6102/nukononu.html
Fakaofo - http://www.oocities.org/david123_6102/fakaofo.html

by: ....... David A. Hough