Winston Peters signals support for visa-free travel petition for Pacific nationals

Foreign Affairs Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters says the New Zealand Government will work closely with Sāmoa on a petition advocating for visa-free travel for Pacific nationals.

But he says that this initiative must have the full support of the Sāmoan government.

In an interview on Pacific Mornings, Peters says any changes to the visa system would need to be made carefully, in agreement with Sāmoa.

His comments follow a petition initiated by former National MP Anae Arthur Anae, which seeks to allow Pacific Island nationals to enter New Zealand on a three-month visitor visa issued on arrival.

Peters highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges faced by families, saying, “It’s not just visa-free, it’s if someone dies and they want to see this person before or after their death in New Zealand, these delays make it impossible.

“I’ve got a good grasp of what Arthur’s talking about and I’ve said to him, we’ll work on it as hard as we can.”

Former National MP Anae Arthur Anae. Photo/Supplied

Acknowledging the current visa application process for Pacific nationals as unacceptable, Peters referred to an official based in Sāmoa who is reportedly working short hours.

“This is not good enough and so all those things are being addressed now in consultation with the incoming Sāmoan government.”

The petition has received backing from Sāmoa’s Prime Minister, Laaulilemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, who has promised to discuss the issue of visa-free travel with New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon.

Prime Minister of Sāmoa, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and Winston Peters met at the Samoan Consulate in Mangere last month. Photo/Supplied

In a pre-recorded message presented at the Pacific Justice meeting in Sāmoa House on Tuesday, Laaulilemalietoa says travel between both nations should be easier.

“Families travel from Sāmoa to New Zealand for fa’alavelave, church, family and village obligations, but visa challenges always cause delays and blockages for many of us,” Laauli says.

“I support this petition and salute Anae for taking these first steps. While he has started this movement, I believe the Government of Sāmoa can bring the authority that this petition needs.”

Peters recently met with Laaulilemalietoa in what he described as a courtesy call, reaffirming the relationship between the two countries.

Peters says once Laaulilemalietoa returns to Sāmoa, consultations will begin, as visa-free travel could significantly impact the island nation’s population.

“We'll do our best to get a fairer, more immediate deal. But I mean, we're only about a few weeks away from receiving that petition as we speak,” Peters says.

Watch Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters' full interview below.