Sāmoa citizenship bill becomes law

The Governor-General of New Zealand has given Royal assent to the Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Bill, making it an Act of Parliament.

The Bill was passed unanimously in Parliament last week and provides a pathway to citizenship for Sāmoans whose citizenship was stripped in 1982.

Dame Cindy Kiro signed the paperwork at Government House on Monday afternoon, making it law.

"The unanimous passing and Royal assent of this historic Bill marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Aotearoa and Samoa – and for so many whānau across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa."

This change applies to those born in Western Samoa between 13 May 1924 and 1 January 1949, and it's estimated to affect 3500 people.

The law does not cover descendants of those affected, except wives and children born in the British Empire before 1949.

Speaking at the final reading last week, National MP Cameron Brewer said the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) could receive applications for citizenship from Tuesday, 26 November.

"The estimated processing time is 30 working days, but this is dependent on the volumes received and the information applicants provide.

"People can also - their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, friends and themselves - apply in person at a DIA counter in Auckland, in Wellington, in Christchurch, in Sydney, in London, and, most importantly, at the High Commission in Apia, or by mailing the application form to DIA."

The application fee is $204.45, but this amount will be fully refunded for successful applicants.

Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti said it was an exciting milestone, and he recalled being in the House when the Bill was passed.

"The gallery was full with Sāmoan and Pacific people and there was just a wounderful, wonderful ambience as this Bill moved through.

"We're pleased with the outcome and we'll make sure that gets up and enables and gets into practice as soon as possible."