‘Homecoming’: John Pulu celebrates New Zealand citizenship

“It’s just a homecoming for me.”

That’s how long-time Tongan broadcaster John Pulu feels about gaining New Zealand citizenship.

Pulu, who hails from a strong Tongan lineage, was born in Tava tu’u Tolu, Kolomotu’a, with ancestral ties to Holopeka, Koulo, Ha’avakatolo, and the islands of Ha’ano, Lofanga, and Fiji.

For over 20 years, he has been a permanent resident of Aotearoa, having migrated to Ōtāhuhu with his parents in the 1990s.

Pulu says becoming a New Zealand citizen feels like a “homecoming”.

“It just feels the same because I've always felt so welcomed here in Aotearoa. But I guess the status, going from a permanent resident to a citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand, I feel so blessed and so grateful."

Moments after receiving his citizenship, Pulu shared a heartfelt social media post thanking tangata whenua and honouring his late father.

“Ngā mihi to the people of this land for welcoming us not as migrants but as whānau - mālō ‘aupito,” he wrote.

“I also acknowledge my late father, Sione Topui Snr, for making the wise decision to bring us here to our new home.”

John Pulu's parents, Sione Topui Snr and Alisi Pulu. Photo/Supplied

Rising Pacific population in Aotearoa

According to data from the Department of Internal Affairs, about 40,000 people became New Zealand citizens last year, with Pacific Islanders representing 67 per cent of this growth.

Tonga, Sāmoa, and Fiji are among the top 10 nations providing New Zealand with new citizens.

In 2024, New Zealand implemented the Citizenship (Western Sāmoa) (Restoration) Amendment Act, reinstating citizenship for Sāmoans born between 13 May 1924 and 1 January 1949 who had previously lost it.

By February 2025, 847 Sāmoans had been granted citizenship under the restored provisions.

RNZ reports that demographer Professor Paul Spoonley noted a significant increase in the number of new citizens compared to previous years.

Spoonley says that obtaining citizenship is not necessary for accessing services or voting, as Permanent Residence has provided many of the same rights since the 1960s.

Spoonley adds that while gaining citizenship symbolises loyalty to a new homeland, many may pursue it for the benefits of international travel.

Pulu himself looks forward to enjoying the full benefits of his passport when traveling to and from Aotearoa.

“I can finally use the e-Gate now, you know, because I'm looking at you bougie people just rocking up, taking five seconds to go scan and here I am spending a whole year standing in the all-passport line.”

The pathway to New Zealand citizenship

Under the Citizenship Act 1977, most residents applying for citizenship must meet three key presence requirements:

• Residency Duration - Applicants must have lived as a resident in New Zealand for at least the last five years. Australian citizens and permanent residents can also apply if they have lived in New Zealand for the same period.

• Physical Presence - Applicants must have been physically present in New Zealand for at least 240 days per year and 1350 days in total over the past five years. Special circumstances may warrant exceptions.

• Intent to Stay - Applicants must intend to live in New Zealand after gaining citizenship unless they are working abroad for the New Zealand Government, an affiliated international organisation (i.e. the UN), or a New Zealand-based employer.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) website states that 93 per cent of applicants are granted citizenship within 18 months of submission.

But Pathways to New Zealand Immigration reports that many decisions are made very quickly, within two to three weeks, while others may take over 12 months.

This variance in processing times can be a significant matter of concern for applicants and their advisers, with an additional barrier being the $470.20 adult fee.

Pulu was among the fortunate ones whose application took just three weeks, and he needed to prove his English proficiency.

“Thankfully, there was no test…I think the only thing I had to prove was that I studied and could speak English. I went through my AUT, my uni records and just sent that as my documentation to prove that I studied at an English speaking institution.”

A long time coming for a life-long outcome

Now in his 30s, Pulu says that pursuing citizenship took him a long time because he just “got busy with life”.

He says he understands that many Pacific people may feel hesitant or reluctant to take the first steps towards citizenship, but he hopes his journey can spark conversations on the topic.

Pulu on stage receiving his New Zealand Citizenship. Photo/Supplied

“People have come up to me since they found out that I've just become a citizen. They're like, ‘Man, I've been here 20-30 years. I haven't applied’.

Pulu says he feels immense gratitude for his parents and considers it “so special” that he has finally made this significant step.

“A little caveat for me, I've got land back home. I didn't really consider doing the whole citizenship right away. But I thought, no, this is going to be something not just for now, but for the future.

“I think back to the migration story of my parents bringing us here. You know, this is another thing I can tick off, that I'm part of this beautiful place called Aotearoa and that I, as well as my family, as well as, my future children will be part of a place like Aotearoa.”