Major celebration in Manurewa marks restoration of Sāmoa citizenship rights

A community gathering in Manurewa this week marked a significant moment of long-awaited justice for Sāmoans who lost their New Zealand citizenship in 1982 and have now had it restored.

The Citizenship (Western Sāmoa) (Restoration) Amendment Act reverses a law from 1982 that stripped New Zealand citizenship from Sāmoans born between 13 May 1924 and 1 January 1949. In February, an estimated 847 Sāmoans received citizenship as a result of the new legislation, which was implemented over a three-month period.

The celebratory event, called Faliu Le La, was held on Monday at the Manurewa Sports Centre and brought together around 50 recipients of restored citizenship. The event, supported by the ASA Foundation alongside onsite St John staff, shared ceremonial ‘ava between dignitaries and those who received their citizenship.

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson and MP Teanau Tuiono, whose member’s bill led to the law change, attended the celebrations. Tuiono says it was “an emotional day, but a good day” as he met with those who received their citizenship.

“We've had a beautiful gathering and importantly, we've seen some justice being done as well. We know that this has been an injustice that has been carried by the community for some time now,” he says.

During his opening speech, Tuiono, who is Māori and Cook Islander, mentioned how his upbringing in South Auckland exposed him to the important relationships between Māori and Pacific communities in the region.

“Many of us have multiple identities. So we all grew up in these communities, Māngere, Ōtara, and so those connections are so incredibly important. If something impacts somebody in another community, then you feel that because these are your friends.

“That's why it was important for me to support this bill going through and the team that I had was a Tongan, a Māori, and Kiribati, and they could all see that this was an injustice.”

The event host, Teleiai Edwin Puni, Chairman of the Pacific Leadership Forum and an ASA Foundation member, says the gathering also serves as a bridge to the future.

Falema’i Lesa in 2024 reflecting on her famous case which reached the Privy Council.

“There is another struggle of getting through the processes of the entitlements, whether it's WINZ or housing. So today is to assure them they are not left in the cold. We have our communities here in New Zealand that will work with them in the coming months to help them settle into New Zealand,” Teleiai says.

He estimates over 50 people attended Monday’s welcome, while another 30 could not make it due to hospital visits. He adds that those attending hospital visits show that they are already receiving improved medical care.

“We wish them a speedy recovery. This event is going to be a monthly event of our local Manurewa community hosting under the ASA Foundation.” Teleiai says gatherings like these help connect elderly Pacific community members, addressing one of their biggest challenges: loneliness.

Marama Davidson (left), Teanau Tuiono (centre) and Teleiai Edwin Puni (right). Photo/PMN News/Candice

“When they come to New Zealand, their children go to work, and the kids go to school. The whole week they stay at home by themselves. That’s part of the reason why we have initiated this gathering called Faliu Le La.”

“It's not the setting of the sun, but the turning of the sun. So they still have a lot of good years, and we want them to be happy here in New Zealand. There's many that haven't found out, but they're welcome to join.”

Tuiono shares gratitude to everyone who has supported the bill’s passage. “I've been getting photos and messages from different people, either the grandkids or the kids of their parents, receiving their citizenship. It's been really heartwarming. I know we appreciate that right across the Green Party and across Parliament as well.”

Green Party’s Marama Davidson (left) and Teanau Tuiono (right). Photo/PMN News/Candice Ama