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Story: History of immigration

A Tokelauan family, 1966

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A Tokelauan family, 1966

The 1960s saw an increase in Pacific Island immigrants, especially Cook Islanders and Samoans, many of whom found work in Auckland’s factories. There was also a significant inflow of Tokelauans, including those who came with government assistance following a cyclone in 1966. Here a Tokelauan family who came under the resettlement scheme relax soon after their arrival.

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How to cite this page

Jock Phillips, History of immigration – The end of a 'white New Zealand' policy, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/2154/a-tokelauan-family-1966 (accessed 3 June 2026).

Story by Jock Phillips, published 4 March 2009, updated 1 August 2015.