New Zealand government coalition partners with the National Party, ACT had told their coalition partners that they would support a bill that may restore citizenship for some Samoans before its first reading last week.

Pacific Media Network reported that ACT member of parliament Paramjeet Parmar spoke on 531pi's Pacific Mornings, she indicated that National and NZ First were privy to ACT's position, emphasising that party whips typically notify coalition partners in advance of upcoming votes.

"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 also showed public support for the bill with Pacific Mornings.

PMN News could not independently verify whether NZ First had shared its position with coalition partners beforehand. However, if this occurred, National would have entered the initial reading while being aware of its anticipated solitary opposition stance.

National's resistance defied the advice and endorsement of its Pacific supporters group, Pacific Blues.

During the first reading debate, National's Cameron Brewer criticized the bill's structure and highlighted immigration concerns.

Mrs. Parmar refrained from elaborating on National's decision but underscored ACT's commitment to fairness as the primary motive for their affirmative vote.

“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," she emphasized.

"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 facing criticism over its approach to race-based issues, Mrs. Parmar argued that the bill targeted a community rather than a specific 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."

Regarding public sector job cuts, Mrs. Parmar voiced concerns over the coalition government's focus on output.

“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," she said.