On 11 February, the navy ship Canterbury will stop in Tokelau to mark 100 years since New Zealand began helping to administer the small island territory. The visit is part of a special mission called Operation Calypso, which also aims to stop illegal fishing in the Pacific.
New Zealand’s Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, is on board the ship along with staff from government agencies and disaster response teams. They plan to visit Tokelau’s three atolls—Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo—for community meetings, welcome ceremonies, and site inspections.
During the trip, Dame Cindy will meet with local elders and women’s groups. She will also visit schools, hospitals, and clean energy projects to show New Zealand’s support and partnership with Tokelau.
Weather experts from MetService will check and repair weather stations on the islands, while a New Zealand police officer will meet with Tokelau police to strengthen teamwork.
After Tokelau, the Canterbury will head back to Apia, Samoa, then continue to Raoul Island. There, helicopters and army crews will help fix equipment used to monitor weather, tsunamis, and volcanoes.
