
The Tokelau Philatelic Bureau is the official postal service of the small island nation of Tokelau, located in the South Pacific. This service is responsible for the production and distribution of postage stamps, as well as other philatelic products, to collectors and enthusiasts around the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Tokelau Philatelic Bureau, its most important and well-known stamps, and the unique designs that make them stand out.
Overview of the Tokelau Philatelic Bureau:
The Tokelau Philatelic Bureau was established in 1978, after Tokelau gained its independence from New Zealand. It is operated by the Tokelau government and is responsible for all postal services within the country. The Bureau is also in charge of producing and selling postage stamps, first day covers, and other philatelic products to collectors and stamp enthusiasts worldwide.
History of the Tokelau Philatelic Bureau:
The first stamps issued by the Tokelau Philatelic Bureau were released in 1978, to commemorate the country’s independence. These stamps featured the country’s coat of arms and were printed in New Zealand. Since then, the Bureau has released numerous stamps on various themes, including nature, culture, and history.
One of the most significant moments in the history of the Tokelau Philatelic Bureau was in 1997 when it became a member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). This allowed Tokelau to have its own unique country code for postage, making it easier for collectors to identify stamps from Tokelau.

Notable Stamps and Designs from Tokelau Philatelic Bureau:
The Tokelau Philatelic Bureau has released many notable stamps over the years, but some stand out for their unique designs and themes. One of the most famous stamps is the 1986 «Tokelau Canoe» stamp, which features a traditional outrigger canoe used by the Tokelauan people for fishing and transportation. This stamp is highly sought after by collectors due to its beautiful design and limited production.
Another popular stamp is the 1995 «Tokelau Birds» series, which features four different bird species found on the islands. These stamps are not only visually appealing but also serve as a reminder of the diverse wildlife found in Tokelau.
In recent years, the Tokelau Philatelic Bureau has also released stamps that celebrate important events and anniversaries, such as the 2018 «Tokelau Lunar New Year» stamp, which commemorates the Year of the Dog in the Chinese zodiac.
Unique Designs from Tokelau Philatelic Bureau:
One of the things that make the stamps from the Tokelau Philatelic Bureau stand out is their unique designs. The Bureau often collaborates with local artists to create stamps that showcase the country’s culture and traditions. For example, the 2019 «Tokelauan Dances» stamp series features traditional dances performed by the Tokelauan people, beautifully depicted in vibrant colors.
The Bureau also uses innovative printing techniques, such as embossing and foil stamping, to add a special touch to their stamps. This attention to detail and creativity in design make Tokelau stamps highly sought after by collectors.
In conclusion, the Tokelau Philatelic Bureau plays a crucial role in promoting the culture and heritage of Tokelau through its stamps. With its unique designs and themes, the Bureau continues to attract stamp collectors from all over the world.
To learn more about the Tokelau Philatelic Bureau and its products, visit their website at www.tokelauphilatelicbureau.com.