Residents on the tiny Pacific country of Tokelau are gearing up for a vote on independence which will be historic both for the population of about 1600 and for New Zealand -- but more in symbolic than practical terms.

There are 619 people, about 70 or 80 per cent of those eligible, registered to vote on whether New Zealand's last colony should move to self-government.

United Nations officials will supervise the referendum which will begin in Samoa's Apia tomorrow for Tokelauans temporarily based there. Apia is the setting off port to get to Tokelau which is 500km north of Samoa, a boat trip of 28 hours or longer. Voters on the atolls Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo will then have their turn and results will be announced on February 15.

However New Zealand-based administrator Neil Walter says if the vote is for change, to self-governance in free association with New Zealand, it will mean little practical difference to the people as they been running the country for years.

"This change of status, if it does occur, is really not much more than a formalisation and a recognition of that current situation, which is why this is not a gamble, a leap of faith at all," he said.

"They have tried and tested their political and service structures and are comfortable the time has arrived for a decision on their future political status."

That included running their public service, shipping, telecommunications, budget, participating in Pacific groups/organisation, and running their own system of government; "which is distinctly Tokelaun because its based on the village councils which are the traditional source of authority and they have their own judicial system."

Mr Walter said New Zealand had been helping build up governing capacity on the islands, which have a land area of only 12 sq km, for 30 years to get to this point. The country was annexed by Britain in 1889 and transferred to New Zealand's administration in 1926.

A council of elders governs the villages and civil servants on each atoll. Together the council leaders and their mayors form Tokelau's Cabinet, the Council for Ongoing Government. The General Fono, the national body, deals with issues such as fisheries, external relations and shipping.

If the vote is for change Tokelau and New Zealand will sign up to a treaty -- a document Mr Walter says will give more guarantee of support than now.

"It locks them in on one hand to greater self reliance and it locks New Zealand out of interference but into support."

New Zealand provides about $9 million a year, a figure reviewed every three years. The money comes out of the overseas development assistance budget. New Zealand also contributes to Tokelau's trust fund which is $25m and Tokelau gets some NZAID assistance.