Samoa Citizenship Bill Passes First Parliament Hurdle, Aided by ACT and NZ First
Background
In a surprising turn of events, the Samoa Citizenship Bill has advanced to the select committee stage after receiving support from the ACT and NZ First parties. The bill, which would restore citizenship rights to Western Samoans who had them revoked in 1982, passed its first reading in Parliament.
ACT’s Justification: Fairness and Equality
ACT’s support for the bill aligns with their commitment to fairness and equality. According to ACT leader David Seymour, “It’s a question of righting a wrong. These people were New Zealand citizens, and then they had their citizenship taken away by statute. That’s not fair.”
NZ First’s Motivation: Pacific Community Commitment
NZ First’s backing of the bill stems from their dedication to the Pacific community. Winston Peters, NZ First’s leader, stated that the bill is consistent with their “Pacific reset” initiative in foreign affairs. He noted the importance of hearing submissions from the select committee before making a final decision.
National’s Opposition: Precedent Concerns
National stands as the lone party opposing the bill, arguing that it should be pursued by the government rather than a private member’s bill. They express concern that the bill could set a precedent for other groups to seek similar citizenship restorations.
Impact on National
National’s stance has put them at odds with their coalition partners, ACT and NZ First. This unforeseen split within the government highlights the shifting political landscape and the growing influence of minor parties.
Momentum for the Bill
The support from ACT and NZ First has significantly bolstered the bill’s chances of success. While the bill still faces potential challenges in subsequent readings, the early support provides a solid foundation for its progress.
Community Reaction
The passage of the bill’s first reading has been met with jubilation by the Samoan community. Marama Davidson, co-leader of the Green Party, expressed gratitude for the unexpected support from ACT and NZ First. She emphasized the importance of rectifying the decades-long injustice faced by the Samoan community.
Next Steps
The bill will now proceed to the select committee stage, where submissions and expert opinions will be gathered. The committee’s findings and recommendations will play a crucial role in shaping the bill’s future and its chances of becoming law.