Tokelau, also known as the Unin Islands, is located in the south-central Pacific Ocean, with a total area of just over 12 square kilometers. As early as the end of the 18th century, the British discovered Atafu Island, and it was discovered by the French and the Americans one after another, and finally the British seized the right to rule. During this period, Tokelau was under European and American colonial rule, spreading Catholicism, ** Christianity, and engaging in commercial activities such as human trafficking.
Expansion: British colonial rule left a long mark on Tokelau's history, and although the islanders were not wealthy during the colonial period, they were more receptive to foreign cultures and religions. During this time, British, American, and French colonial powers competed on the island, bringing about various changes for the local population.
Until the 20th century, Toke* was ruled by New Zealand and officially renamed Tokelau in 1976. In the early years of New Zealand's independence, the people of Tokelau remained dependent on New Zealand. In 2006, Tokelau's chief tried to call an independence referendum, but the result was a huge disappointment, with the vast majority of the population expressing a reluctance to secede from New Zealand. Even after several referendums, Tokelauans' aspirations for independence failed to materialize, and were eventually rejected by the United Nations, which expressed respect for their choice of "not seeking independence".
Expanding: Tokelauans' attitude towards independence is very different from that of other countries, preferring to enjoy a life of stability rather than taking risks to try new and unknown paths. Although Tokelau had wanted to have its own country, the reality was often cruel, and they finally chose to "ship to the bridge", still choosing to rely on New Zealand's support.
Tokelau's remote location and harsh geology make it impossible to build large infrastructure, and even airports and ports are lacking. In addition, natural resources are scarce, water resources are scarce, power facilities are outdated, and infrastructure has been in a relatively backward state. These natural factors limited Tokelau's development and left it to survive through simple fruit cultivation and handcrafting.
Expansion: Tokelau's harsh natural environment, tropical climate, water scarcity and barren land pose great challenges to the survival of the local population. In difficult circumstances, they had to rely on outside assistance to sustain themselves on the island.
Due to the island's limited economic activity, Tokelauans have a relatively weak economic base and are dependent on New Zealand for aid and financial support. Although New Zealand had invested heavily in upgrading Tokelau's agriculture, fisheries and tourism, these investments had not yielded the desired returns due to the laziness of the local population and a lack of willingness to expand.
Expansion: Despite outside aid and investment, Tokelau was still in a development dilemma. New Zealand had improved its agriculture and fishing techniques for the island, hoping to get out of its economic predicament by developing tourism, but Tokelauans' economy had not been able to improve due to a lack of enthusiasm on the part of Tokelauans.
Tokelauans were overly dependent on New Zealand's financial support, abandoning their concern for the outside world and living a life of isolation and primitiveness. They are accustomed to receiving welfare payments, are reluctant to take the initiative to develop the economy, indulge in a leisurely life by the sea, and lack planning and vision for the future.
Expansion: New Zealand has a long history of aid and support to Tokelau, but this long-standing dependence has also weakened Tokelauans' sense of independence and self-reliance, leading them to slip into a state of passive acceptance of aid rather than efforts to change the status quo.
Tokelauan Islanders are indifferent to developments in the outside world, have no willingness to adapt to new technologies and ways of thinking, and lack the pursuit of a modern way of life. They enjoy their leisure time and are reluctant to step out of their comfort zone to face challenges.
Expansion: The rapid development of modern technology and the tide of globalization have not had a substantial impact on Tokelauans, who still cling to their traditional way of life, remain indifferent to changes in the outside world, and live a simple and self-sufficient life.
In human society, every country and nation has its own unique way of living and values. As a small but special country, Tokelau is characterized by its insolence and dependence on others for support. Everyone has different interpretations and choices about the concept of hard work and prosperity, and Tokelauans may be able to draw some inspiration and reflection from them by choosing a different way of life. There may not be only one way to live, and everyone has the right to choose the trajectory of life that suits them.