Press Release – New Zealand Labour Party

The National government should publicly confirm whether it will honour a Labour Government promise to assist the Tokelau Islands to purchase a new ferry, Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Chris Carter and Pacific Island MP Carmel Sepuloni say. “The …

25 August 2009
Media Statement

National Government should honour Tokelau ferry commitment

The National Government should publicly confirm whether it will honour a Labour Government promise to assist the Tokelau Islands to purchase a new ferry, Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Chris Carter and Pacific Island MP Carmel Sepuloni say.

“The previous Labour Government had committed to aid the Tokelau Islands in purchasing a new ferry, to ensure the safety of passengers and economic viability of the Islands were protected,” Chris Carter said.

“The Tokelau people are New Zealand citizens and the ferry the MV Tokelau that operates between Tokelau and Apia is the islands’ major economic lifeline.

“Tokelau is inaccessible to aircraft and it can only be reached via a 26 hour boat ride. The islands are a New Zealand territory and it is our obligation to assist them on this extremely urgent issue. We need to make sure people are safe,” Chris Carter said.

Carmel Sepuloni said she had recently taken a trip on the ferry while visiting the Pacific Islands and was seriously concerned about the state of the vessel.

“It’s obvious that the ferry needs to be replaced as a matter of urgency. This is an issue of protecting human lives.

“We would not let any New Zealand ferry companies operate a boat that was unsafe, so as the Tokelau people are New Zealand citizens they should have that same level of safety and protection that all other citizens of this country have, Carmel Sepuloni said.

“Labour urges the National Government to move swiftly on this issue. Tokelau traditional leader Foua Toloa said recently that the ‘we have one boat, it’s not in good condition’. The ferry is already old and the safety of passengers is paramount,” Chris Carter.

ENDS

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