Jacinda Ardern has personally tried to prevent media from asking about the Ihumātao dispute while on a charm offensive in the Pacific.
Her staff threatened journalists with restricted access to the PM if they did, forcing her Beehive team to intervene from Wellington.
After crisis calls from the capital, media were allowed a second shot.
Ardern says she's not worried about the protests escalating.
"Regardless of what's happening domestically or locally we have a great team that pick up the reigns when offshore,"
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Some Green MPs who are Government partners have joined the protests.
Tokelau pulled out all the stops for the first arrival of a New Zealand Prime Minister in nearly fifteen years.
They've spent more than two weeks preparing for the visit, even cutting Sunday church short to get ready.
Walking to shore is unusual for a Prime Minister - others have been carried on to the atolls.
Ardern asked not to be, saying she's "not the Queen."
"I'd prefer to be with the people on the ground walking," she said on Monday.
Tokelau is about as remote as Antarctica. The only way in is by boat or sea plane. Communications are limited.
The Prime Minister spent a night at sea travelling from Samoa - 24 hours in rough conditions - which included three to four meter swells. Even the Navy crew was sea sick.
The residents here have been told not to use their cell phones so the internet is stronger for the Prime Minister and her entourage.
And it's for good reason, as there's an ominous history with Prime Ministers visiting Tokelau.
In 1985 when David Lange visited, the US tried to dock a vessel that could have been nuclear armed in New Zealand.
And for Ardern, a controversial protest continuing back home.
The Prime Minister has three more nights at sea - hopping between Tokelau's atolls and hoping things at home are calmer than the ocean she's crossing.
Newshub.
