Nukunonu is the largest atoll within Tokelau, a dependency of New Zealand, in the south Pacific Ocean. It comprises 30 islets surrounding a central lagoon, with about 5.5 km2 (2.1 sq mi) of land area and a lagoon surface area of 109 km2 (42 sq mi).
The main settlement on the atoll is located on Nukunonu Island at the southwestern edge of the lagoon with a concrete bridge joining the two areas of settlement. Other islets in the group include Motuhaga, Te Puka e Mua, Ahua, Motufala, Punalei, Taulagapapa, Niututahi, Saumagalu, Apia, Laulauia, Avakilikili, Fatigauhu, Tokelau, Te Fakanava, Te Puku, and Te Kamu to name a few.
The island's residents depend upon coconuts, pandanus, and marine life for subsistence; fresh water is scarce. Shipping is hampered by the lack of an adequate anchorage.
Tokelau has one hotel, the Luana Liki Hotel, and one resort, Falefa Resort, both situated on Nukunonu. Few tourists visit the country and tourism is not widely promoted. There is ambivalence to the idea of tourists with some Tokelauans wanting to keep the country unaffected by the outside world. Despite this, visitors are greeted with traditional Polynesian hospitality. The Luana Liki Hotel functions mainly to accommodate official visitors who have included the New Zealand Prime Minister and Governor General. There is one main shop in Nukunonu which sells a limited range of products. Due to the vagaries of shipping schedules it is at times short of goods.
He is the sovereign
Knows everyone's heart
Has known it from the very start
Create the stage with guilt and regret
The diagnosis unheeded
There lies a cure that concedes to sickness
Healing for those who desire it
Today is the day
Acknowledge and stay
Wear the sackcloth and scatter the ashes
Like a scholar in the dark accuses
God in the dock will see through all excuses
The ancient man came forth and touched
The robe with great respect and feared
Steer them right
Lead them onward and over the shrine
Son of Leah, you are not alone
Breathe, sarcophagus
A cry of a vulture, a cry of a man