The yellow field represents the warmth and sunshine of the atolls. The Tokelauan emblem features a stylized Tokelauan canoe (vaka) sailing toward a southern cross of four white stars, symbolizing the three atolls and Swains Island under New Zealand administration and navigation traditions.
History
Tokelau's flag was officially adopted on October 22, 2009, after a design approved by the General Fono (Tokelau's governing body). It replaced the use of the New Zealand flag alone and gave the territory a distinct symbol.
Construction
A 1:2 ratio yellow field with a stylized blue and white Tokelauan canoe and four white stars in the Southern Cross arrangement.
Color Meanings
yellow: Sunshine and the warmth of the Pacific atolls
blue: The ocean on the canoe emblem
white: The Southern Cross stars and the canoe sail
