Visa-free Pacific-travel push splits Parliament as ACT holds back

A push for visa-free travel for Pacific nationals has exposed political fault lines in Parliament, with the ACT Party withholding support.

But New Zealand First has said it supports the proposal outright.

Hundreds gathered at Parliament on Wednesday as petition organiser Anae Arthur Anae formally presented the call for change to NZ First leader Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters.

Supporters say current visa rules are costly, slow, and out of step with Aotearoa’s historic ties to the Pacific.

The petition, signed by nearly 50,000 people, calls for visa-free access for short-term travel, arguing Pacific nations should be treated fairly and consistently with other countries that already enjoy easier entry to New Zealand.

But ACT says it will reserve its position until it sees more details.

Hundred gathered at Parliament on Wednesdya in support of the petition calling for visa-free travel for some Pacific nationals. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

In an interview on Pacific Mornings, ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar says the party understands the frustration behind the petition but must weigh diplomatic relationships against immigration risk.

“I just think of two things, which are long-standing diplomatic relations,” she says. “Obviously, our Pacific countries will get a tick for that. The second thing is risk with immigration”.

She also warned against stereotyping Pacific communities. “Now I also want to say this, that just because of a handful of people, those who break the law, sometimes the whole community gets stereotyped for that and we need to keep that in mind.”

Watch Parmjeet Parmar's full interview below.

While ACT is taking a cautious approach, New Zealand First has pledged its backing.

Speaking to the media after the petition was presented, Peters was asked whether supporting visa-free travel was a firm commitment and whether he would seek to implement it this term. He replied: “both”.

“I hope common sense and fairness prevail,” Peters says.

He framed the issue as one of equity, arguing Pacific countries deserve treatment comparable to other partner nations.

“All Pacific people want is a fair go, equivalent to what other nations are getting,” Peters said.

For Pacific communities in Aotearoa, now numbering more than 400,000 people, the issue carries both symbolic and practical weight.

Winston Peters accepted the petition at the Parliament forecourt. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

Families often face significant costs and administrative hurdles when travelling between Aotearoa and Pacific nations for funerals, weddings, and church or community commitments.

The Labour Party says it recognises the scale of concern but has yet to commit. Labour MP Jenny Salesa says the petition reflects long-standing frustrations within Pacific communities.

“This is a really important issue and we know that there are well over 400,000 Pacific people in New Zealand now and this is an issue that’s been longstanding,” Salesa told PMN News.

She says Labour is open to considering the proposal but wants to review the full details of what is being sought.

The debate now shifts from the forecourt of Parliament to the political negotiating table, where questions of fairness, migration settings, and regional relationships will need to be weighed.

For Pacific advocates, the message remains clear: New Zealand’s relationship with the region should be reflected not only in words, but in policy.