19 Aug 2019

Urgent meeting called in Tokelau over court decision

1:19 pm on 19 August 2019

An urgent meeting of Tokelau's governing council has been called over a landmark court decision.

Tokelau Faipule for Atafu, Kelihiano Kalolo

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

Tokelau's High Court last month backed the council's dismissal of two public servants in connection with the purchase of two helicopters.

But in the first-ever decision from the New Zealand territory's highest court, it also found the council unlawfully withheld pay from them.

The Tokelau Public Affairs Office reported the Ulu o Tokelau welcomed the court decision, saying it meant Tokelau could now move on.

Kelihiano Kalolo immediately called an urgent meeting of the council to discuss the decision and follow up matters instructed by the court.

The court case was the first test of strengths and weaknesses of Tokelau's laws, the Ulu said.

Lessons learned from the case will help Tokelau "grow a better future", he said.