Pacific advocates are raising urgent concerns about New Zealand’s visa system, claiming it imposes significant barriers on families from the region, particularly during emergencies. A petition spearheaded by former National MP Anae Arthur Anae has garnered nearly 50,000 signatures, calling for nationals from Fiji, Sāmoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu to be granted visitor visas upon arrival in New Zealand.
This petition will be presented to New Zealand First leader Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters at Parliament, where supporters from various Pacific communities in Auckland and Wellington are expected to gather, marking a pivotal moment for these issues. Anae, who holds the distinction of being the National Party’s first Pacific MP, emphasized the longstanding concerns about visa accessibility from Pacific nations but highlighted the unprecedented public support for the petition as a potential catalyst for change.
In an interview on Pacific Mornings, Anae commended Peters for his consistent support of Pacific issues, stating, “Winston has stood behind us all the way and everything we’ve tried to do for the Pacific people.” He also acknowledged David Seymour and the ACT party for their support on specific initiatives, though he reiterated Peters as a champion for Pacific communities.
Currently, visitors from over 60 countries can enter New Zealand using the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), while most Pacific Island nations remain excluded and must apply for visas beforehand, facing high fees and lengthy processing times. Although recent updates allow citizens from specific Pacific Islands Forum countries traveling from Australia with an eligible visa to apply for an NZeTA, advocates argue that this still places many Pacific families at a disadvantage.
Peters addressed the issue by highlighting the unfair obstacles Pacific nationals encounter, particularly during times of family emergencies. He expressed concern over the costs and delays in obtaining visas, stating, “If your grandmother or your mother were to die in New Zealand, you want to be on the next plane and you should be able to get that within 24 hours.” He suggested that any changes to visa travel settings should be accompanied by compliance measures from Pacific nations, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and cooperation.
Anae hopes that when the petition reaches Parliament, MPs will have the opportunity to vote based on their conscience, rather than strict party lines. The petition is scheduled to be presented at 10 AM on Tuesday at the Parliament forecourt, as Pacific advocates focus on whether tangible changes will emerge that ensure families from the region are treated equally at New Zealand’s borders. This ongoing effort not only reflects the deep-rooted connections between New Zealand and its Pacific neighbors but also showcases a growing push for fairness and inclusivity in the country’s immigration policies.
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