NUKUNONU

"NUKUNONU" in the Tokelau Island Group is located
64kms north of 'Fakaofo' and 92kms south of 'Atafu'. It consists of an area of about 4.7kms with population of about 437. Pictures taken are from a Trip which I made in mid 1978.

Please enjoy! by:.............David A. Hough


 
 
 
Preparations for unloading supplies from
the "M.V. Cenpac Rounder" to the
'Whale-boat'.
All the Passengers, Supplies and Cargo must get into the
'Whale-boat' prior to reaching shore.
Often it is very hot
when going from the Supply Vessel to Shore. Ladies
shading themselves including 'Saipai'.
The major scene when arriving at "Nukunonu" is the
Catholic Church. The men in the water are pulling
the 'whale-boat' thru the reef with ropes.
Bags of taro (like potatoes) being dumped on the beach before being passed by inspection. As there 
are no agriculture diseases here, careful examination is observed
for everything.
Village scene with mother and daughter.
Paths through the village. Lined by various
palms, the paths are made of white coral.
When the vessel arrives, various members of the 
community are assigned to prepare food etc at the 
meeting house for visitors. This Mother and
daughter are taken several large saucepans on
the wheel-barrow to the 'Meeting House'.
Typical 'Tokelau' House made of local
materials.
Tokelau House. Note the palm branches
being grown in the drum.
"Government Buildings" on Nukunonu.
Patients waiting at the hospital. Note: the
Solar water-heater on the roof.
Village 'Meeting House' with the Chief's and
Village Elders. Discussions take place which
will affect the community.
The 'Village Elders' at the 'Meeting House'.
A 'Coconut Drink' for morning or afternoon
break. When walking around the village, many
invitations are offered for such a drink.
The Nukunonu 'Cemetery'. As the coral Island
is only 3 to 5 meters above sea-level, you can't
dig very deep into the coral.
Getting a "Fresh Coconut". Even in the mid-day
Sun, Coconuts off the tree appear cool and 
thirst quenching.
A 'Nukunonu Couple'.
A Fisherman showing his Turtle Shell which he
had caught and cleaned. Eating sea turtles are
common in remote areas.
Making a 'Tokelaun Basket'. The weaving is
done around a powdered milk-tin. The tin is
then removed and the finished basket is
complete.
Making 'Napkin Holders' to be sent to Apia
and sold as "Tokelaun Handicrafts".
"Mat Weaving". Tokelau weaving is much
finer than those of other Islands. It is
also more expensive as it is not common.
Preparing 'leaves' for weaving.
Building a house of local material. His
friends will also help him when the ship
leaves.
Family Scene.
Another Family Picture.
A 'Nukunonu Girl' beside some 'Breadfruit'
which is a staple food.
'Washing Dishes'outside and letting them
Dry as well. 
Using a 'hand operated' Sewing Machine
as electricity operates only sometimes.
Family eating. Saipai on the left enjoying
the Tokelaun Food. She is Samoan but can speak
the local Tokelaun is is well-accepted.
From a distance, the 'Warehouse' on the
Island.

 

I trust that you have enjoyed the 'Pictures' of "Nukunonu" and that perhaps you'll also visit my "Atafu" and "Fakaofo" Sites. Click on:

'Atafu' http://www.oocities.org/david123_6102/atafu.html
'Fakaofo' http://www.oocities.org/david123_6102/fakaofo.html
 

David

An Envelope with the '1970 Discovery' Stamps featuring three early Sailing Ship's that visited the "Tokelau's".