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Who are the faipule and pulenuku in Tokelauā€™s local government?

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Map showing the three main atolls of Tokelau-Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo-located in the Pacific Ocean north of Samoa. Insets provide detailed views of each atoll, highlighting village locations, reefs, and islets. A small locator map in the top right shows Tokelau's position relative to New Zealand and the Pacific region.
Tokelau

In Tokelau, local government on each of the three atolls is managed by the Taupulega (Council of Elders), which consists of the heads of family groups alongside two elected officials: the faipule and the pulenuku.1

  • Faipule: Serves as the village leader.1
  • Pulenuku: Serves as the village mayor.1

Together, the three faipule and the three pulenuku from the respective atolls form the Tokelau Council (also known as the Tokelau Council for Ongoing Government), which exercises authority when the territory's legislative assembly, the General Fono, is not in session.1