by Mike Bain – The Daily Examiner
The complexities surrounding citizenship for our Pacific neighbors has take a huge turn especially for the Samoan community.
The Citizenship [Western Samoa – Restoration] Amendment Bill has been a significant milestone for many Samoans who lost their New Zealand citizenship under the Citizenship [Western Samoa] Act 1982. The recent changes have allowed 847 Samoans to regain their citizenship, providing them with the opportunity to reconnect with New Zealand and enjoy the privileges that come with it.
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says 847 Samoans have been granted New Zealand citizenship since the Citizenship [Western Samoa – Restoration] Amendment Bill passed into law three months ago.
“It’s pleasing to see that people are taking up the opportunity to regain New Zealand citizenship and that the Department of Internal Affairs is promptly processing these applications,” says Ms van Velden.
The law, which came into effect on 26 November 2024, allows certain individuals whose New Zealand citizenship was removed under the Citizenship [Western Samoa] Act 1982 to apply for citizenship. It applies to people born in Western Samoa between 13 May 1924 and 1 January 1949, but not to their descendants.
“I know that receiving the grant of New Zealand citizenship can be a significant moment in a person’s life and provides a number of privileges such as the ability to hold a New Zealand passport.”
The development follows Green MP Teanau Tuiono’s member’s bill to restore the right to New Zealand citizenship for certain Sāmoans born in Western Sāmoa between 13 May 1924 and 1 January 1949.
These individuals were affected by the Citizenship [Westers Sāmoa] Act 1982, which revoked their right to New Zealand citizenship.
While Tuiono expressed great delight for the families recently granted citizenship, he also called for New Zealand to do more about its role in the Pacific region.
One of the new citizens, Tapaau Lau’ese who recently regained her citizenship through this legislation, has waited almost 50 years for her rights to be restored.
She has children living in New Zealand but faced travel restrictions due to documentation issues.
This year marks her 90th birthday, and she has chosen to remain in Sāmoa.
Lau’ese’s brother, Tafafuna’i Tasi Lau’ese, believes the reversal of citizenship should have happened much sooner.
Citizenship for Pacific Islanders has been a complex issue, influenced by historical events and changing political landscapes. The Pacific Islands, including Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and others, have unique relationships with countries like New Zealand and Australia. These relationships have shaped the citizenship status of Pacific Islanders over the years.
In the case of Samoa, the Citizenship [Western Samoa] Act 1982 removed New Zealand citizenship from many Samoans, creating a sense of displacement and loss. The recent amendment aims to rectify this by restoring citizenship to those affected.
Tonga is currently facing several challenges, including political instability and health crises. The political standoff between King Tupou VI and Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni Hu’akavameiliku has led to tensions in the government. Additionally, Tonga is dealing with a dengue outbreak, with several cases reported and hospitalizations.
These issues highlight the broader context in which Pacific Islanders navigate their citizenship and national identity. The restoration of New Zealand citizenship for Samoans is a positive step, but it also underscores the need for continued support and engagement with Pacific Island nations to address their unique challenges.
