New Zealand's administrator for Tokelau says this week's talks between officials from both countries have paved the way for a visit by Tokelau's Council for on-going government.
Neil Walter says the talks followed a partneship agreement signed late last year formalising the status quo for Tokelau, which has been largely running itself.
Mr Walter says there will be a lot of discussions leading up to a possible change in how Tokelau is recognised as a New Zealand territory.
He says issues were brought up to be discussed when a Council delegation visits in October.
Mr Walter says they will have to look at how the process can be done smoothly.
"And that's essentially a question of preparing the legislative changes at the Tokelau end that would need to be made to give effect to that and to look at the content of what a treaty between Tokelau and New Zealand would comprise."
Neil Walter.
