Children play on Nukunonu atoll in Tokelau. Photo credit: Supplied/ Elena Pasilio.
Source: RNZ Pacific
A national survey is set to kick off in Tokelau later this year in an effort to measure the cost of living.
The non-self-governing territory of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national statistician Malama Uain Kitiona says the survey would ask questions like:
How much do you spend in one day?
How much do you spend on boat fares?
And, how much do you receive in remittances from your families overseas?
National statistician Malama knows it is a tough ask to give that information but says it’s vital for the future of Tokelau that people do so.
“That’s all data that it’s very, very crucial,” Malama says.
“We really, really, really need your support.
“The information that we will ask you is very critical to our development.”
He says people are also welcome to ask questions about the process.
Malama started out in Samoa’s Finance Ministry (2006-2008) and joined the Bureau of Statistics before taking on his role in Tokelau.
He moved to Atafu atoll last week.
Malama says there is a global economic and also regional economic crisis, and it would be very challenging for small island nations like Tokelau in a rising of inflation, the unemployment rate, even family incomes.
“It’s becoming a challenging issue for some families, but this is the only way [to measure the impacts].”
In his address he says he would like to try and inspire more youngsters to take on statistics as a profession.
There are only a few statisticians in Tokelau.
“Some people say, and I’m pretty sure they will tell you, it’s a very boring job.
“You just sit your desk doing Excel, reading numbers, but those numbers are your guiding stars to the future.”
