The national symbol of Tokelau depicts a Tuluma, which is a traditional Tokelau

Tokelau

Tokelau is a territory of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean that consists of three tropical coral atolls with a combined land area of 10 km2 and a population of approximately 1,400...

an carver wooden “tackle box” used by fishermen. A white cross in the centre of the Tuluma and the inscription below Tokelau mo te Atua (Tokelau for God) reflects the strong emphasis of Christianity in Tokelau.

History

Tokelau's territorial parliament, the General Fono, approved a design for a national emblem in May 2008. Prior to 2008, the Coat of Arms of New Zealand

Coat of arms of New Zealand

The coat of arms of New Zealand is the official symbol of New Zealand. The initial coat of arms was granted by King George V on the 26 August 1911, and the current version was granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1956.-History and design:...

 and the Flag of New Zealand

Flag of New Zealand

The flag of New Zealand is a defaced Blue Ensign with the Union Flag in the canton, and four red stars with white borders to the right. The stars represent the constellation of Crux, the Southern Cross....

 were used.

A new flag

Flag of Tokelau

As Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand, the flag of New Zealand has been used as the official flag for Tokelau. However, in May 2008 the local parliament, the General Fono, approved a distinctive flag and national emblem for Tokelau. This flag has not yet been widely used for...

was also adopted at the same time.