Elena Pasilio* in Tokelau
Ulu-o-Tokelau 2025 Esera Fofō Filipo Tuisano smiles during gifting ceremony. Photo: Supplied/ Elena Pasilio
Fakaofo's Esera Fofō Tuisano arrived at his first parliamentary session for the year as Ulu-o-Tokelau, or Head of State, with his daughter by boat from his home on Fenuafala.
Unlike the other two atolls, Nukunonu and Atafu, Fakaofo has two islets where the population lives: Falē, where the meeting house is, and Fenuafala, also known as Taī, where the main hospital and school is.
Ulu-o-Tokelau 2025 Esera Fofō Filipo Tuisano and daughter Ollyshia Tuisano arriving at Falē from Fenuafala in Fakaofo. Photo: Supplied/ Elena Pasilio
Tuisano's inauguration was marked with a traditional ceremony called the Fakanofoga and dance or Fatele.
In his previous role as the head of the waste management division, he was known as a "waste champion".
He had also served as a member of the General Fono as a Fakaofo representative before becoming Faipule in 2020.
"I came in when Covid hit, the pandemic," he said.
Tuisano was described as a "reluctant" politician by the Administrator of Tokelau, Don Higgins.
"I know that you are a reluctant politician, but I also know that you are more than capable of the task that is ahead," Higgins said at the Fakanofoga.
Higgins has watched Tuisano in action and described him as "a true leader" with an ability to, "always find agreement, to find a way forward, to do it with humour, and to do it in the best interest of Tokelau".
Administrator of Tokelau, Don Higgins, congratulates Ulu-o-Tokelau Esera Fofō Filipo Tuisano. Photo: Supplied/ Elena Pasilio
Tuisano, described as a "humble man", will now be Head of State for the next year.
"This would be my second time [in the role], hopefully my last," he joked.
The Ulu-ship rotates between the leaders of the three atolls annually.
"I am basically here to facilitate the wishes and visions of my people," Tuisano said.
"If I can do that, it would be a huge achievement for me."
For Tuisano, Tokelau is "everything".
"It's my heart and soul," he said.
"Hold on to our cultures and values, and also to be strong, to be proud Tokelauans. And to carry our tiny nation, through our ride up to the next level, whichever it is," Tuisano urged the next generation.
Nukunonu group perfoms Fatele at the Fakanofoga. Photo: Supplied/ Elena Pasilio
Nukunonu bearing gifts of dried pandanus leaves which are used for weaving. Photo: Supplied/ Elena Pasilio
Coconuts being prepared to be passed out to everyone to toast to the new Ulu. Photo: Supplied/ Elena Pasilio
Atafu delegates present gifts to new Ulu-o-Tokelau at the Fakanofoga. Photo: Supplied/ Elena Pasilio
Ulu-o-Tokelau hugs Tialeniu pupil during the gifting ceremony at the Fakanofoga 2025. Photo: Supplied/ Elena Pasilio
*This story could not have been made without the reporting of Elena Pasilio, who is Nukunonu's environment officer.
