We are a central Pacific nation comprising three atolls lying to the north of Samoa and south of the Phoenix Islands of Kiribati, and centred on latitude 9o S. The areas of the atolls are roughly similar – Atafu c.350 ha, Nukunonu c.500 ha and Fakaofo c.400 ha – and each gaining only a few metres elevation. All three islands are classic atolls being at the summit of ancient, raised seamounts projecting upward about 5000 m from the seabed, and with large open lagoons which have shallow passages to the sea in many places. The climate is moderated by the ocean currents and easterly trade winds that blow steadily throughout the year and the wet season occurs in November-April. Cyclones and storm surges sometimes inundate much of the land as occurred at Fakaofa in the early 2000s. Upwelling currents near the atolls bring nutrient-laden cooler waters to the surface supporting a rich abundance of marine and reef life, traditionally important to the people of Tokelau (Wodzicki and Laird 1970, Huntsman and Hooper 1996). Today, lifestyles are still partially dependent on ocean resources and lagoon fish, coconuts, domesticated pigs and chickens, and many garden plants, all supplemented by imported foods. Our population of about 1,340 according to the 2019 census, spreads about evenly between the three atolls. Within each atoll, dwellings are confined to only 1-2 motu.Many other outer family-owned motu are used for weekend visits and holidays and some of these have dwellings