Labour wants New Zealand to guarantee to help Tokelau purchase a new ferry after recent Pacific sinkings left more than 100 dead, but the Government says it already has committed to do that.
The Tongan passenger ferry Princess Ashika sunk this month and a Kiribati ferry went down in July, raising questions about maritime safety in the Pacific.
A 26-hour boat ride from Samoa is the only route to New Zealand territory Tokelau, which is inaccessible by aircraft.
Labour foreign affairs spokesman Chris Carter said his party had committed Tokelau to purchase a new ferry.
"The islands are a New Zealand territory and it is our obligation to assist them on this extremely urgent issue. We need to make sure people are safe," Mr Carter said.
A spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said the Government was continuing to look at options for a new ferry .
It had to find a safe and cost effective option, he said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was doing the research.
Everyone acknowledged Tokelau needed a new ferry , the spokesman said.
There was no timeframe for when it would be finalised.
Prime Minister John Key has also said the government may help Tonga replace the Princess Ashika.
Tokelau is a New Zealand territory and its residents New Zealand citizens.
NZPA