A talanoa on the Samoa citizenship bill took place in Auckland on Friday, amidst the recent passing of the Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia, and the tragic deaths of RSE workers in a car accident on Monday. Over 200 members of the Samoan community gathered at Le Maota o Samoa in Mangere to express their support for MP Teanau Tuiono’s member’s bill, which seeks to restore the citizenship of Samoans affected by the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act of 1982. This act had revoked the New Zealand citizenship of individuals born in what was then Western Samoa between 1924 and 1949.
Acting Prime Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, speaking on behalf of the New Zealand First Party, offered condolences to the families of the deceased RSE workers and reassured the Samoan community of the government’s commitment to supporting the bill. Vaovasamanaia spoke about the importance of addressing this issue while also ensuring the economic stability of Pacific nations. He highlighted the party’s ongoing support for the bill and expressed a desire for adjustments to be made.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones also voiced support, citing his previous experience as a Pacific ambassador and reaffirming the party’s dedication to doing what is right for Samoa. The Pacific Leadership Forum’s coordinator, Teleiai Edwin Puni, noted that Vaovasamanaia’ acceptance of the invitation to the talanoa demonstrated New Zealand First’s commitment to the Samoan community in New Zealand. The select committee will soon provide its recommendations before MPs vote on the bill’s second reading.
