The importance of sea transport to Tokelau is something that has not diminished over time. It is still an essential part of Tokelauan life, for getting between islands, and for fishing and retrieving materials.
Issue information
The Tokelau vaka has aspects of canoe design that are unique to Tokelau. A vaka is a large five-man canoe made for fishing, which reflects Tokelau’s communal approach to catching fish. The vaka’s distinctive features include how it is constructed.
Unlike smaller canoes, the vaka is constructed in segments from different trees and ‘sewn’ together with a cord. This technique is not practiced elsewhere due to other Polynesian islands having larger trees to work with than Tokelau. The reasoning for building the vaka in sections is it is made from the kanava tree, which grows in a tapering and twisting fashion. This means only the lower sections of the trunks of the tree are fit for sculpting into the vaka.
Product Listing for Tokelau Vaka
Click on image to enlarge.
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 45c Traditional Vaka' gummed stamp.The vaka is a central tool in Tokelau, not only for fishing, but for travelling between atolls. The islands of Tokelau differ in their natural resources, so it is necessary to travel between the islands to retrieve them. |
$0.45 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.40 'Sculpting the Vaka' gummed stamp. After the vaka has been carved and ‘sewn’ together, it is then caulked with coconut fibre or marine glue to make it watertight. |
$1.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.00 'Fishing from Vaka' gummed stamp. There are several different types of canoes constructed in Tokelau, though a vaka usually refers to a large five-man canoe made for fishing. This reflects Tokelau’s communal approach to catching fish. |
$2.00 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $3.00 'Returning to Shore' gummed stamp. This stamp shows the vaka in action as the men return to shore with their catch for the day. The importance of sea travel in day-to-day life continues to shape Tokelauan society today. |
$3.00 |
 |
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled gummed miniature sheet. | $6.85 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $7.35 |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with gummed miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $7.35 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 18 June 2014 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Set of four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | 45c, $1.40, $2.00 and $3.00 |
| Stamps and first day covers designed by: | New Zealand Post Limited, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer: | Collectables and Solutions Centre, New Zealand Post, Whanganui, New Zealand. |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (verticle) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 16 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.33 |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until close of business 17 June 2015. |
