New Zealand’s Parliament advanced the Restoring Citizenship Removed by Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill through its second reading today, 24 October 2024. The bill, aimed at restoring citizenship to Samoans born between 1924 and 1949 who lost it due to a 1982 law, garnered unanimous support but faced criticism over key amendments.
These amendments exclude descendants from automatic reinstatement and require fees for re-application, sparking concerns that they fail to fully address the historical injustices.
Critics argue that the exclusions leave descendants of the original cohort without the benefits of restored citizenship. Activists continue to advocate for broader reparations, including automatic citizenship for the descendants of those affected by the 1982 legislation.
MPs backing the bill expressed the need to address past wrongs. The 1982 law deprived many Samoans of their New Zealand citizenship, leaving them and their families in hardship. The bill aims to correct that, but questions remain about whether it goes far enough, especially with its exclusion of descendants from automatic reinstatement. The debate continues over whether this legislation fully restores justice for all those impacted by the original law’s effects.
Green MP Teanau Tuiono, who led the push for the bill, acknowledged the concerns but maintained that the legislation is an important first step. While the bill has advanced, attention remains on whether future amendments will address these unresolved issues, particularly the exclusion of descendants from automatic citizenship.
As the bill moves forward, there is growing pressure to expand its scope and provide a more comprehensive resolution for all those affected by the 1982 law.
