Tokelau is frequently left out of the discussion on climate change, according to a representative of the territory calling on New Zealand to do more to voice their plight.
As a territory of New Zealand, Tokelau is dependent on New Zealand in international climate change talks.
Representatives from Tokelau, Tuvalu and Kiribati have held talks with New Zealand's Labour Party ahead of its visit to Tuvalu and Kiribati next week.
A senior Tokelau official, Paula Faiva, said Tokelau has been neglected.
'Why weren't we the first that New Zealand looks to, especially when it wants to protect the Pacific from climate change?" she asked.
"Even putting New Zealand's constitutional responsibility to Tokelau aside, we are on the front-line and just as vulnerable to the effects and impacts of climate change as Kiribati and Tuvalu."
Paula Faiva, who is a climate change manager, said the elders of Tokelau are calling on New Zealand's government to visit and see for themselves the reality of climate change on the atoll nation.
Tokelau Photo: Supplied
