title: Flag of Tokelau
text: Tokelau, a dependent territory of New Zealand, adopted an official flag in 2009. Previously, the flag of New Zealand was used as the official flag for Tokelau. 
  
  In May 2008, the local parliament, the General Fono, approved a distinctive flag and national emblem for Tokelau. The Governor-General presented the flag to the Ulu-o-Tokelau as Tokelau's first official flag on 7 September 2009.
  
  Blazon 
  The official blazon of the flag of Tokelau is:
  
  History
  
  1989 proposal
  An alternative and unofficial flag has been reported. The three stars in this flag represent the three atolls which make up the islands of Tokelau.
  
  2007 proposal
  In June 2007 the regional parliament (General Fono) decided over the future flag, anthem and national symbol of Tokelau. The proposed flag depicted a stylized Polynesian canoe and four stars. The stars represent the three main islands and also Swains Island, administered by the United States (American Samoa) but claimed by Tokelau. As the required supermajority was not reached in the 2007 self-determination referendum, the flag was not officially adopted.
  
  2008 final proposal
  In May 2008, the General Fono approved the final versions of the national symbols of Tokelau. The flag design approved is based on the 2007 proposal with minor changes to the arrangement of the stars, the Southern Cross is used in place of a representation of the geographic location of the islands. A national emblem was also approved at this time.
  
  2009 royal approval
  The flag was approved by the General Fono in February 2009 and by Queen Elizabeth II in August. The governor-general presented the new flag to the Ulu as Tokelau's first official flag on 7 September 2009. An official launch of the new flag was planned for October 2009.
  
  See also
   Badge of Tokelau
   Te Atua o Tokelau
  
  References
  
  External links
  
  Tokelau Flag and National Symbol Government of Tokelau
  College of Arms December 2009 Newsletter (No. 23) newsletter
  
  Tokelau
  Flags of New Zealand
  Flag
  Southern Cross flags
  Flag
  Flag
  Tokelau