As Tokelau is a dependent territory of New Zealand, the flag of New Zealand has been used as the official flag for Tokelau. In May 2008, however, the local parliament, the General Fono, approved a distinctive flag and national emblem for Tokelau. This flag has not yet been widely used for official purposes, but an official launch of the new flag was planned for October 2009. The Governor-General presented the flag to the Ulu-o-Tokelau as Tokelau's first official flag on 7 September 2009.