The United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization has approved a draft resolution calling on New Zealand and the United Nations to continue to provide assistance to Tokelau.
The Ulu of Tokelau, Aliki Faipule Salesio Lui, has told the committee that Tokelau, as a colony, is not able to participate in the global discourse on climate change.
He also says that because of New Zealand's financial challenges Tokelau wants to have development partnerships with UN agencies and key regional organisations.
The Ulu told the committee Tokelau does not want to ignore New Zealand's contribution, but it is seeking the ability to be able to improve the quality of life of its people.
He told the committee the future should be about all people being equal and having equal opportunities.
The New Zealand administrator of Tokelau, Jonathan King, says while New Zealand provides 75 per cent of the colony's budget, there is also significant help from the wider international community, including UN agencies, such as the WHO and the UNDP.
