Petty Officer Christina Sola, a Royal New Zealand Navy sailor of Samoan, Tokelauan, and New Zealand European heritage, returned to her spiritual home of Tokelau this week. 

She reunited with family across the three atolls while on board HMNZS Canterbury during Operation Calypso.

The visit also marked the 100th anniversary of New Zealand’s administration of Tokelau, with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro on board.

“Tokelau is my tūrangawaewae, a place where I feel grounded spiritually, mentally, and physically,” Sola said. 

“Every time I arrive, it feels like home," she added.

Her Tokelauan family is from Fakaofo, and her husband, Penehe, is from Nukunonu and Atafu. They have four children. Sola said her husband’s support allows her to continue serving in the Navy, a career that has taken her from the sub-Antarctic to Asia, the Pacific, and the United States.

Her last visit in 2020 was during COVID-19, when strict distancing rules meant she could not physically touch her family. This time, she enjoyed a full family welcome across all three atolls.

The mission also included upgrading tsunami and volcano monitoring equipment on Raoul Island and conducting a search-and-rescue operation near Tonga. The ship travelled 4,580 nautical miles over 23 days without taking on extra food or fuel.

“This visit reminded me how important family, culture, and heritage are,” Sola said.