Atafu

Atafu is the westernmost atoll of Tokelau, a small territory in the South Pacific that is part of New Zealand. It forms one of the three atolls that make up Tokelau, alongside Fakaofo and Nukunonu. Atafu’s geography is that of a low-lying ring-shaped coral atoll surrounding a central lagoon, with numerous motus (islets) around the reef and most inhabited land situated on the eastern side.

The population of Atafu is small, numbering in the hundreds. Residents rely largely on subsistence farming and fishing, with coconuts, breadfruit, and root crops common. The economy is limited and mixes local trade with remittances from Tokelauans living abroad, particularly in New Zealand. Access to Atafu is by sea; there is no regular air service or airstrip on the atoll.

Governance in Tokelau is centralized, with local governance on each atoll and a shared central administration. The head of government of Tokelau, known as the Ulu-o-Tokelau, is elected for a limited term from among senior leaders, and the three atolls participate in national decision-making. The atolls convene customary and administrative structures to manage local affairs, land, and resource use.

Historically, Atafu has been inhabited by Polynesians for centuries. European contact began in the 18th century, and the atoll, along with Fakaofo and Nukunonu, later became part of New Zealand’s administrative territory. The culture centers on communal life, with traditional music, dance, and handicrafts, and the Tokelauan language remains widely spoken.

Environmental challenges include vulnerability to tropical cyclones, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion, which affect settlements and subsistence livelihoods on Atafu.