use of engines, close to the reef edge so that a landing barge can be motored out to transfer cargo to or from the shore. On returning to shore, the barge negotiates a narrow channel through the reef to the beach. Usually this landing is subject to ocean swell and beaching requires considerable skill and, often, coral abrasions to bodies. When bad weather prevents the barge making the trip, the ship stands off to wait for suitable weather or goes off to one of the other atolls to attempt to load or unload its passengers or cargo, or both. There is no airport in Tokelau, so boats are the main means of travel and transport. Some seaplanes and amphibious aircraft are able to land in the island's lagoons. An airstrip was considered by the New Zealand Government in 2010. In 2016, plans to link the atolls with Samoa by helicopter had to be abandoned because of high costs, leading in the following years to renewed calls to the New Zealand government for help with establishing air services. See also Badge of Tokelau Outline of Tokelau Notes References Further reading External links Tokelau. The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. Tokelau from UCB Libraries GovPubs Ethnology of Tokelau Islands Governance Tokelau Council of Ongoing Government, executive branch of the government The Administrator of Tokelau, Tokelau website of the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Atolls Fakaofo Nukunonu 1948 establishments in Oceania Atolls of New Zealand British Western Pacific Territories Dependent territories of New Zealand English-speaking countries and territories Geography of Polynesia Island countries States and territories established in 1948