'It's the right thing to do for NZ': Seymour on ACT's citizenship bill support

ACT Party Leader and current acting-Prime Minister David Seymour is keeping a close eye on the select committee process for a bill that could restore citizenship for some Samoans.

ACT supported the Restoring Citizenship Removed by Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 to its first reading, and speaking on Pacific Mornings, Seymour said he is "80 per cent sure" they will support it into law.

"I think what happened back in the 80s with Muldoon was wrong," he told PMN News' William Terite.

Referring to the Privy Council's decision that granted the NZ citizenship to people born in Samoan between 1924 and 1949, Seymour says the government at the time were "silly" to overturn this decision.

"We supported it to first reading and we think we will continue to support it. But we're always a little bit careful about these things because once you change the rules about becoming a citizen, you can set a precedent that can allow a whole lot more people, than you might have not otherwise decided according to immigration policy to let in."

And while Seymour wouldn't be drawn on National's decision not to support Teanau Tuiono's member's bill in its first reading - he does believe repealing the 1982 law is the best course of action.

"We believe it's the right thing to do for those people [affected by the bill] and it's the right thing to do for New Zealand - to make sure if the government did something silly, which I think it did back in 1982, then we actually put it right.

"The original action [by Muldoon's government] of over-turning a reasonable finding of the courts - I think that was silly - and it would be silly if our coalition partners had done that. Refusing to fix it 40 years later - I don't agree with [National] on that - but I think ACT's vote was correct."

While Seymour is almost sure they will vote on the bill's further readings - he's awaiting the select committee process before confirming his party's unfettered support.

Seymour also reflected on taking over the prime ministership in Christopher Luxon and Winston Peter's absence - as well as joking he'd consider passing some laws while his coalition partners are overseas.

"It's been just like any other day to be honest - but hoping there aren't any other major crisis or problems.

"And open to your suggestions on things I should get done, while their others are away."

Watch the full interview with David Seymour below: