Andre van der Walt named Administrator of Tokelau

The Foreign Minister has appointed a former High Commissioner to lead New Zealand's relationship with Tokelau as the territory enters its centenary year under NZ administration.

Reviewed by Rakai 3 July 2026

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appointed Andre van der Walt as Administrator of Tokelau, with the role beginning in June 2026.

The appointment comes as 2026 marks a century since New Zealand began administering the Pacific territory. Van der Walt previously served as New Zealand's High Commissioner to Kiribati and Deputy High Commissioner to Niue.

As Administrator, van der Walt will support Tokelau's government in service delivery and manage the bilateral relationship, overseeing New Zealand's development support across climate resilience, governance, education, health, transport and renewable energy. Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory in the Realm of New Zealand, with its people holding New Zealand citizenship.