Beach Road transformed into a bustling hive of anticipation on Tuesday with an estimated 300 people visiting the New Zealand High Commission Office for the application for NZ Citizenship for Samoans born before 1949.

By 7 a.m., family members had already begun gathering outside the New Zealand High Commission building, waiting to pick up application forms for citizenship.

“I’ve waited for three hours, just to grab forms for my grandmothers. My dad’s mother, Semia and my mum’s mother Maria,” said 22-year-old  Regina Leaupepe of Togafuafua, Nofoalii and Salailua.

The new law is for people born in Western Samoa between May 13, 1924, and January 1, 1949. It does not give citizenship to their descendants, except if they were born in the British Empire before January 1, 1949.

"It means a lot," Leafa Lamositele, 42, from Falealupo, the youngest sibling of 11, picked up an application form for her mother, who is turning 80 next June. Her mother is now eligible. 

The group of eager Samoans crowded around the entrance, each person keen to grab a form. Once out, they walked quickly back to their cars as if they had just found a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

Richard David Faasaulala from Falefa echoed Regina's sentiments as he reflected on the importance of the day. 

“This is an opportunity for my grandmother, Faitasia,” he said. “It’s a great pleasure that my grandma's been awarded this gift from New Zealand,” Richard added. 

Holding the 19-page document with a loose piece of paper and blue ink on the top stating "$282 fee," Richard was determined to take the forms back to his family and have it filled out as soon as possible. 

Having the form in possession, the Samoa Observer can confirm that there are many requirements to be filled out before submission.

The pages contain photo requirements, witness requirements, and even providing an original or certified copy of the birth certificate of the person born in Samoa on or after 13 May 1924 and before 1 January 1949. 

It is confirmed that there is no deadline for the forms to be submitted, and people can submit them as late as January 2025. 

Despite the many requirements, Samoan families continued to pick up the application forms, their faces hopeful.

Alauni Puresa of Vailele, 62, shared a more personal view, stressing the deep justice this opportunity represented for her family. 

 “The best outcome from this is that they can go to New Zealand to get medical check-ups. The elderly today can now receive the medical help they need that is unavailable to them here in Samoa,” said Puresa.

Pouli Pulimatautogo Suaisi Fuatogi, 74, and Mulipola Pelenise, 90, both acknowledged and thanked the governments of New Zealand and Samoa. 

"Thank you to the heads of departments and the people involved for making this happen," said Pouli.

"It’s good for Samoa and also shows the close partnership between NZ and Samoa, especially when our people in NZ send us a lot of money," added Pouli. 

The Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Cindy Kiro gave Royal assent to the Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Bill, making it an Act of Parliament on Monday.