The New Zealand Parliamentary Committee has unanimously recommended that the bill to restore citizenship for a cohort of Samoans be put through in parliament.

The bill aims to restore citizenship for Samoans who had their New Zealand citizenship stripped by a racist law passed in 1982 by the Patrick Muldoon led government.

The Governance and Administration Committee has thoroughly reviewed the Restoring Citizenship removed by the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill. In a unanimous decision, the committee recommends the bill for passage, supporting all proposed amendments except for clauses 6, 10, and 14.

Authored by New Zealand's Green Party member of parliament Teanau Tuiono, this member's bill aims to reinstate New Zealand citizenship for individuals whose citizenship for Samoans was revoked by the 1982 Act. Specifically, it targets those born in Samoa between May 13, 1924, and December 31, 1948. The bill proposes to repeal the 1982 Act entirely to restore citizenship rights.

The committee also suggests, by majority agreement, modifications to clarify that eligibility for citizenship applies to individuals specified in sections 4(1)(a) to (d) of the 1982 Act. This clarification will ensure that affected persons can accurately navigate the application process for reinstated citizenship.

The Bill passed through the first reading and was sent to the committee for endorsement.