Ex-National MP demands visa-free access for Pasifika

Former National MP Anae Arthur Anae has launched a petition demanding a free three-month visitor visa for Pacific people.

Anae argues that New Zealand’s current immigration policies continue to discriminate against its closest neighbours.

In an interview on Pacific Mornings, Anae expresses his frustration with New Zealand's longstanding treatment of Pacific communities.

“I've sat around for a long time watching the way the Pacific people have been treated in this country for a long time. Frustrated with it,” Anae says.

“But at this stage of life, I think it's time for us to stand up and speak our mind and take it from there because the world is changing and they can't keep on treating us the way they have for too long.”

Sixty countries, including nations with little historical or cultural ties to the country, enjoy visa-free entry into New Zealand for up to three months upon arrival.

Yet, most Pacific nationals undergo a complex and often slow visa application process.

Anae points out the deep contradictions in New Zealand’s immigration policies.

“We in the Pacific who have stood by New Zealand at time of war, who came here from the 40s onwards to help build this nation, we're the ones who manned the factory floors back in the 50s and 60s," he says.

“We were also the ones they kicked out in the 70s with dawn raids when they had their own problems and yet, we are the neighbours.”

Anae Arthur Anae was an MP from 1996 to 1999, and again from 2000 to 2002. He was part of the National Party, being its first Pasifika MP. Photo/Supplied

Historical discrimination and overstaying myths

Anae also highlights the historical injustices faced by Pacific migrants, particularly the Dawn Raids of the 1970s, when Pacific people were disproportionately targeted despite making up only 25 per cent of overstayers.

The remaining 75 per cent, primarily from Western nations, are largely ignored.

“I will challenge immigration, that today that top number still exists. They're still hammering us about overstaying.

“Have they ever checked how many other people from around the world are in New Zealand that they're not even chasing or trying to identify those numbers?

“Because I put money on saying the numbers will probably be the same.”

Many Sāmoans have criticised Immigration NZ over delays in processing online visa applications and a lack of face-to-face communication at the INZ office in Apia. Photo/Sāmoa Observer

Anae dismisses the common argument against easier access for Pacific visitors, which cites the risk of overstaying.

He argues that New Zealand’s own restrictive immigration system is partly to blame, as once Pacific people are in the country, they are often reluctant to leave, knowing they will face another bureaucratic hurdle just to return.

A groundswell of support

Since launching the petition on the New Zealand Parliament website, Anae says he sees a wave of support across the Pacific.

He notes that many Pacific people find it extreme difficultto obtain visas for urgent family matters, such as funerals, due to lengthy processing times and bureaucratic red tape.

Anae credits pressure from Pacific leaders for pushing Immigration New Zealand to extend its office hours in Sāmoa from one hour to eight hours a day. But he says that despite this small victory, processing delays remain a serious issue.

Watch Anae Arthur Anae's full interview below.

His goal is ambitious, to gather one million signatures, not just from Pacific communities but from anyone who supports fairness in New Zealand’s immigration policy.

“Anybody around the world can sign this petition to support the Pacific people, because this is so wrong.”

The petition currently has almost 11,000 signatures.

Political response and wider implications

While there has been significant community backing, Anae is now looking for political will.

He warns that New Zealand’s failure to fairly treat its Pacific partners has wider geopolitical implications, noting that China has already granted free visas to Pacific nations and is rapidly expanding its influence in the region.

The petition calls for

A call for unity

Anae urges Pacific communities, both in New Zealand and abroad, to unite and push for change.

“For God's sake, let's stand together. Let's get this thing through. Let's put it on the table and demand our rights. We can no longer sit around and be treated like nobodies every time and be used to it.

“New Zealand is part of the Pacific. We are the Pacific. We are one nation of people spread around. Treat us equally.”

The petition is live on the New Zealand Parliament website.