Source: United Bible Society, November 4, 2025
The idea of a Tokelauan Bible originated in the late 1960s, as Tokelauans began migrating to New Zealand. While the Samoan Bible served earlier generations, the Tokelauan community born in New Zealand faced a new reality; many were no longer fluent in Samoan. The need for Scripture in their native language became urgent.
For generations, Tokelauans have relied on the Samoan Bible for Old Testament readings and the portions available to them in Tokelauan. In 1999, the Gospel of Mark was published, and four years later, the four Gospels were released. In 2009, the New Testament was launched with a celebration at Pahina Church. Now in 2025, God’s Word in full can be read, heard, and cherished in Tokelauan for the first time.