12 Mar 2019

Tokelau parliament to debate helicopter investigation report

2:12 pm on 12 March 2019

Tokelau's parliament is expected to debate an investigation report into the controversial spending of millions of dollars.

Tokelau Faipule for Atafu, Kelihiano Kalolo

Tokelau Faipule for Atafu, Kelihiano Kalolo Photo: RNZ PACIFIC / MACKENZIE SMITH

The first General Fono of the year began today on Atafu atoll, with Kelihiano Kalolo appointed as Ulu, or paramount leader.

Mr Kalolo will introduce a 180-day strategic plan for the government, ahead of fresh elections next year.

A report into the conduct of two former public servants who were fired in 2017 for buying two helicopters and land will also be tabled.

Their firing culminated in the first substantive hearing of the Tokelau High Court last month in Wellington.

The General Fono will conclude by the end of the week.

New Zealand's Administrator to Tokelau, Ross Ardern, told the parliament sitting on Tuesday that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern passed on her gratitude to Tokelau's government and looked forward to meeting its leaders again soon.

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