A third of Norfolk Islanders say they would rather be a part of New Zealand than Australia.

In a recent survey 37 per cent of the island's population said they'd prefer 'free association' with New Zealand.

Representative for the Norfolk Island Democracy Management Committee Candice Nobbs told Heather du Plessis-Allan its because New Zealand takes better care of the territories it governs than Australia.

She says examples like Niue and the Cook Islands show New Zealand has more respect for indigenous people.

"In comparison with Australia, which has taken the stance of full integration and that there is no separate or unique heritage or culture here on Norfolk Island."