Aliki Faipule Kolouei O'Brien
Ulu-o-Tokelau (Head of Government), Three Terms · 1939–2015
Who is Aliki Faipule Kolouei O'Brien?
Aliki Faipule Kolouei O'Brien was born in 1939 on Fakaofo, the southernmost of Tokelau's three coral atolls, and lived there for the whole of his life. He trained to a master's-degree standard in navigation and yachting, a specialised maritime skill well suited to a nation whose three atolls are linked only by open ocean. He served for years as faipule (elected representative) of Fakaofo and was chosen three separate times as Ulu-o-Tokelau, the rotating head of government shared among the atolls of Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo, holding the post from February 2000 to February 2001, February 2003 to February 2004, and February 2006 to February 2007. During his second term he signed the November 2003 Joint Statement on the Principles of Partnership between New Zealand and Tokelau, a foundation document of the territory's modern self-government arrangements. He was also an outspoken advocate for Tokelau's economic self-sufficiency and territorial interests, declaring in a May 2000 address on the "Modern House of Tokelau" reforms that Tokelau did not see itself as a colony and wanted the disputed neighbouring atoll of Swains Island, administered by American Samoa, returned. He was married to Limalei Ane Filipo and died at his home in Fakaofo on 11 May 2015.
Sources: Wikipedia, "Kolouei O'Brien" · Wikipedia, "Ulu-o-Tokelau" · The Question of Olohega, Asia-Pacific Journal / Nautilus Institute (Modern House of Tokelau, May 2000 speech)