As Samoa celebrates 62 years of independence from New Zealand administration and colonial powers, the nation also sees positive progress in the fight for fairness and justice. The Member of Parliament for New Zealand, Teanau Tuiono, has advanced a member’s bill through the New Zealand Parliament to restore New Zealand citizenship for Samoans, a right stripped away by the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982.
Teleiai Edwin Puni shared on his Facebook page that close to 10,000 written submissions have been handed in to the Governance and Administration Select Committee in support of the bill. This number does not include the online submissions made through the Parliament’s website. The widespread support reflects a collective effort by Samoa and its friends to correct a historical wrong.
The issue dates back to 1982 when Falema’i Lesa, a Samoan citizen residing in New Zealand, was prosecuted for overstaying. Lesa contended she was a New Zealand citizen, a claim supported by a ruling from the Privy Council. The Council recognized that individuals born in Western Samoa after May 13, 1924, were “natural-born British subjects” and thus, under earlier New Zealand legislation, were entitled to New Zealand citizenship.
However, the Muldoon Government swiftly passed the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982, which revoked this citizenship for those born in Western Samoa between May 13, 1924, and January 1, 1949. At the time, New Zealand was administering what is now known as Samoa, and New Zealand citizenship did not exist until 1948. Prior to this, New Zealanders were considered British subjects.
The proposed bill, “Restoring Citizenship Removed by Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982,” aims to grant automatic citizenship to those affected by the 1982 Act, eliminating the need for standard residency and citizenship application processes. This legislative change is seen as a move towards fairness, righting past wrongs, and strengthening the relationship between Aotearoa New Zealand and Samoa.
“This is an opportunity for all political parties to work together, recognising that Aotearoa is a Pacific nation. Our whakapapa and history across the Pacific Ocean, Te Moana nui a Kiwa, is as extensive and deep as the moana itself,” Puni stated.
The Parliamentary Select Committee, representing all political parties, is currently inviting public feedback on the proposed law, reflecting a united effort to address historical injustices and foster a stronger, more inclusive future for both nations.
Apply for NZ citizenship if you are a Samoan. Carefully read the application. It is based on the existing 1982 law, which is why the racist law needs to be removed.
Learn more about applying for NZ Citizenship as a Samoan on NZ Government Website, click here.