An Australian maritime security specialist says there's no expectation New Zealand would revise its nuclear-free stance based on its neighbour's commitment to AUKUS.

However, Jennifer Parker, who served for more than two decades in the Royal Australian Navy and the Department of Defence, said it would disadvantage New Zealand.

She said New Zealand - as a country that didn't operate its own submarines - would have to rely on its partners to undertake some of the anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare roles in the event of a crisis or conflict.

It comes after New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk made comments last week about how it would be "helpful" for New Zealand to have a "conversation" regarding its nuclear-free policies, which the Prime Minister was quick to shut down.

Christopher Luxon is in Noosa, Queensland for the annual Australia New Zealand leader's meeting on Saturday.

Asked again on Friday about the need for a future conversation regarding nuclear powered subs, and Penk's position compared to his own, Luxon said he'd had a conversation with his Defence Minister.

"It generally was a fact that he didn't express himself as clearly as he could have.

"The Australians and our partners understand our nuclear free position."

Parker agreed, telling RNZ it was a "non-issue".

But it did play into the longstanding debate around New Zealand pulling its weight, she acknowledged.

"I don't think anyone in Australia thought that Australia's pathway to AUKUS would influence New Zealand's policy on nuclear propelled vessels in its ports.

"I don't think that really has any impact on the relationship whatsoever.

"It does disadvantage New Zealand in terms of the New Zealand Navy and training, because you obviously won't be seeing Australian submarines in New Zealand for exercises, but I don't think you see too many Australian submarines visiting New Zealand anyway."

She said Luxon's visit occurred during an "upward trajectory" of the relationship between the two countries, as well as the increasing strategic alignment and how that's manifesting in defence cooperation.

Parker said in the past there'd been examples of New Zealand taking the relationship with Australia for granted, especially when it came to defence.

In the last couple of years, "we've seen this reinvigoration of the relationship", including clear goals around interoperability and "consistent strategic outlook".

Parker said it was "important" and "pleasing" to see Australia publicly support New Zealand following China's ban on four MPs.

Luxon acknowledged the support on Friday, but stressed New Zealand would raise the matter directly with China itself "nation-to-nation".

On Thursday, Luxon told RNZ New Zealand and Australia had more influence on the world when they worked together, but in this instance, suggested the gesture from Australia was "fine".

"I appreciate the support from the Australians, but I'm just underscoring that it's an issue that we will raise with the Chinese direct."