It is easier for a camel to squeeze through the tiny needle’s hole than for a rich person to go to heaven, so says the Bible. But for Samoans, it is easier to go to heaven than to get a visa to visit New Zealand.

A law passed during New Zealand’s administration of Samoa conferred to all Samoans born in Samoa before 1949 the right to citizenship of New Zealand. Simply put all Samoans born in Samoa before 1949 together with their offspring were, therefore, New Zealand citizens 200 per cent!

This matter was confirmed by the Highest Court of New Zealand in the famous Privy Council Decision of 1982, which the Government and Parliament of New Zealand quickly ignored and instead imposed on the Samoan Government a protocol for 1100 Samoans per annum to emigrate to New Zealand, a political ploy to evade the rule of law. 

The conditions of entry were such that the 1100 per annum quota could hardly ever be filled!

For a country that prides itself on a high record of social legislation to improve the political, social and economic lives of all New Zealand citizens, it is unthinkable that the Government of New Zealand should deny its own citizens born in Samoa their citizenship, a human right, explicitly enacted by law, and reconfirmed by the Privy Council decision.

It is time to revisit this issue to implement the law and the Privy Council Decision of 1982 and revoke the protocol. 

And our people in New Zealand must also take up the call with their MPs. Our people have been subjected to so many inconveniences even for very brief visits to New Zealand. 

Australia too is copying the Kiwi’s practice. Tokelau, Niue, and Cook Islands have easier entry requirements to New Zealand.

Samoans must exercise their human rights to emigrate freely. Samoans who choose to stay in Samoa will govern Samoa, as it is done in all countries of the world. Some people may choose to emigrate, the rest stay behind.

It is a great dream for Samoans to work 5 days a week in New Zealand/Australia and spend their weekends in Samoa eating their taros, palusami and back to work at 9 am the following Monday. 

And continue to play rugby and cricket, attend horse racing, and play politics in between.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of HRPP