"Fakaofo"

The Island of "Fakaofo" is located north of the Samoan Group and at the most southerly of the Tokelau Islands. It is the smallest group of Tokelau Islands but the most populated.

The pictures shown here are from a number of visits that I made during the late 1970's while working in this area.

Please enjoy and I would like to hear any positive feedback.

David


 


A small channel is made into 'Fakaofo'. At low-tide, goods have to be carried from the 'whale-boat' at the seaward side of the channel up to shore. You can see the 'mother vessel' anchored at sea.
Sometimes a 'whale-boat' will capsize by either hitting the reef or an unusual wave. Passengers have to swim to shore and goods either go under or get wet. On several occasions, I was on one of the unlucky 'whale-boats' and had to swim. Both men and women help with carrying goods.
A 'high-tide' is preferred when unloading so that the 'whale-boats' can go up the channel to the landing.
Passengers coming and going. This is an eventful occasion. In the background, you can see the hospital located on a nearby small island.
The small 'landing' at Fakaofo. Most of the locals come here to see who is arriving and to meet their friends. This is only a bi-monthly event when the ship arrives.
Typical (fale)house on Fakaofo. See the coral on the ground as there is no sand/soil.
Lots of 'Breadfruit' and 'Coconut' Trees give shade to the homes on the islands.
The back of the house with a view of the lagoon. Note the sails being dried and the clothes drying on the woven mat.
The open houses have 'mats' which can be raised or lowered when necessary. Note: the ladder which could be used for putting 'thatch' on the roof or assist in climbing a coconut or breadfruit tree.
In the back of the village with a small boat landing. As the land-height is very low, note the roots of some of the trees.
Village scene. The 'Church' is always at the centre of the village affairs.
Toilets on the seafront which are flushed twice a day(with the tides). It takes alittle of getting used to.
The school house on 'Fakaofo'. Secondary schooling is usually done in New Zealand.
Freshly caught 'fish'. The waters in the lagoons in Tokelau have abundant fish.
A lady weaving on the doorstep of her home. When the village has enough 'handicrafts', they are taken to either Samoa or New Zealand by a co-op to earn income.
Preparing the evening meal. A separate house is for 'cooking' only. Usually the stove consists of digging in the coral and burning small sticks etc. When they are on fire, coral stones are put over it and heats the dishes. 'Fish' is usually eaten raw.
The 'PostOffice' on Fakaofo when the inward mail has just arrived. Often the door and windows of the P.O. are left open, as dishonesty is rare.
'Pigs' on these islands are not permitted to wander around the village. Either rocks or sticks are built up to keep the 'pigs' in or near the sea. These Pigs can catch and eat fish and also eat certain types of seaweed.
Typical village scene. Note: the two types of water craft - the original 'out-rigger canoes' and the 'aluminimum' boat.
As there are no large trees or pieces of wood on the Tokelau's, small pieces of wood are hand shaped and manual holes made, and cobra string holds the pieces together. Sap from the trees help to waterproof the seams.
A closer inside look at the seams by which this 'outrigger' is made.
'Ruta' playing the ukalele - a typical Island instrument. Note the drums in the background filled with kerosene either coming or going to the ship.
An island boy and girl on 'Fakaofo'.
Eating 'Island Style' at Ruta's house.
Preparing dinner for guests. Note: the coral flooring.
Preparing dinner in the cooking house, probably peeling tarro. There is little privacy anywhere.
Two brothers. Often island 'leis' are now made of plastic.
The Minister's family and friends including Saipai and David.
The Island of 'Fenuafala' from inside the lagoon. A lagoon is on the innder side of the Islands away from the sea and surrounded by other Islands or a Reef. The water inside the reef is very deep and contain many Fish.
Teachers helping students in the primary school.
'School Blackboard' with the various 'Tokelau Pronounciations'.
The 'Fakaofo' Guest House which is the most western building on the Island. Remember all materials would have to be brought in from probably New Zealand and brought across the reef in the 'whale-boats'.
An interesting Cover postmarked on the island of "Fakaofo". Attractive, colourful Stamps are made in New Zealand primarily for Philatelic purposes (collectors). 

I trust you have enjoyed my Page on 'Fakaofo' and that perhaps you would like to visit the other two Tokelau Islands:

Atafu - http://www.oocities.org/david123_6102/atafu.html
Nukunonu - http://www.oocities.org/david123_6102/nukononu.html
 

by: David A. Hough