Tokelau chopper

Tokelau chopper deal linked to Samoa's Polynesian Airlines

Earlier this year it emerged the territory had purchased two helicopters as part of an interim air service without consulting the New Zealand government.

Emails obtained under the Official Information Act reveal a Tokelau public servant advised New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority that Polynesian Airlines would be the service operator.

RNZI reports the arrangement also involved a private Samoan tourism company and earlier emails show Talofa Airways was interested in a similar investment.