Sir Toke served as a Minister first, and then as dedicated premier of Niue from 2008 to 2020, the second-longest serving Premier in Niue's history. Over this 12-year period, he made a serious contribution to Niue's progress, including by serving as Niue's Foreign Minister. He was deeply respected across the Pacific Islands region, shaping Niue's external engagement not only with New Zealand but throughout the Pacific and around the globe, and his legacy within the Pacific Islands region includes establishing Niue as one of the founding members of the Polynesian Leaders Group.