List MP confirms ACT Party knew National would vote no on citizenship bill

An ACT list MP has confirmed her party conveyed its support for a bill that may restore citizenship for some Samoans to its coalition partners, prior to its first reading last week.

Parmjeet Parmar confirmed on 531pi's Pacific Mornings that as she understands it, National was aware, because it's the role of the party whip to inform coalition partners ahead of any vote.

"There is a special meeting that happens, and in that meeting, as far as I understand, there is a process where parties inform each other how each party is going to vote on each and every bill," she said.

The Greens, Labour and Te Pāti Māori had all publicly confirmed with Pacific Mornings that they intended to support the bill.

PMN News has been unable to independently verify whether NZ First informed its coalition partners in advance but if they did, this would mean National went into the first reading knowing they were likely to be the only party to oppose the bill.

National's opposition also went against the advice and recommendation of its own Pacific supporters group Pacific Blues.

National’s Cameron Brewer told the house during the first reading debate, that the bill lacked the proper format and raised immigration concerns.

Although Parmar wouldn't comment on why National decided not to support the bill, she reiterates that its ACT’s value for fairness that was they main reason they voted in favour.

“I know that this bill is really important for our Samoan brothers and sisters.

“The Samoan community has contributed hugely to New Zealand and they contribute to make it the nation that we are.

"The ACT Party believes that taking this bill to the select committee process will give the opportunity to the community to have a fair say.”

Despite the party receiving criticism on its stance on race-based issues, Parmar says the bill targets a community rather than race.

“We assume that our Samoan community and Pacific brothers and sisters will be very supportive of this legislation.

“It will be really important for us to hear from the wider community and also the country.”

On cuts to public sector jobs, Parmar says the coalition government is focusing on the delivery.

“We get misled by the numbers of people and the proportionality to what is being delivered. So our focus is on delivery and that is what we want to do.”