Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Former Tokelau minister with Global Ocean Commission

Posted at 23:04 on 27 February, 2013 UTC

A Tokelau cabinet minister, Foua Toloa, who lost his portfolios last year after upsetting New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, has got a new job with the newly set up Global Ocean Commission.

The Global Ocean Commission has been created to tackle the serious challenges and threats to the world’s oceans.

Mr Toloa role is expected to encompass balancing the needs of high seas users with the imperatives of science and sustainability.

He says Pacific communities need to be more informed about the significant opportunities for enhancing economies, security and nature if there is international management and governance of the high seas.

Mr Toloa was removed as Transport Minister after recommending that Tokelau’s former aged ferry, the MV Tokelau, continue to sail, despite a demand from New Zealand’s Murray McCully that its use end.