On Wednesday, hundreds of supporters are expected to gather outside the New Zealand Parliament as the campaign for visa-free travel for specific Pacific nationals reaches a crucial juncture. The initiative aims to enable eligible visitors from Pacific nations to obtain a three-month visitor visa upon arrival in New Zealand and has successfully gathered nearly 50,000 signatures.
The petition will be presented to Winston Peters, the leader of New Zealand First, who is anticipated to share his party’s perspective following the submission. This movement is led by former National MP Anae Arthur Anae, who argues that the existing visa regulations place undue stress on Pacific families during critical times, such as funerals, health emergencies, and important cultural gatherings.
In a discussion on Pacific Mornings, Anae emphasized the need for reform, stating, “This can’t continue forever. It has to be fixed and I want to fix it now.” His comments highlight the urgency of addressing the current limitations of the visa system.
The upcoming presentation marks a significant shift from public advocacy to a situation where coalition politics will play a vital role. As a pivotal partner in the government, New Zealand First’s stance will likely determine whether the proposal gains traction or not.
Responses from coalition partners have been mixed. ACT leader David Seymour has expressed understanding of the concerns, recognizing Pacific nations as New Zealand’s closest neighbors. However, he noted that any changes to visa access would depend on risk assessments and compliance by visitors, remarking, “We’ll always listen to him [Anae], but we have to make the same calculations that every government does on visa matters.” He has challenged claims of unfair barriers for Pacific individuals, while acknowledging varying experiences.
The National Party has not yet made a formal statement regarding the petition, but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon referenced previous measures implemented in April designed to ease travel for certain Pacific nationals. This delay may suggest hesitancy to commit to further reforms.
In contrast, Labour maintains a cautious yet receptive position. Carmel Sepuloni, the Pacific Peoples spokesperson, stated that the party is “certainly open” to reassessing the current visa policies, indicating that additional discussions are necessary before arriving at a formal conclusion.
The Greens have voiced strong support for the petition, with MP Teanau Tuiono asserting that New Zealand’s visa frameworks should reflect its identity as a Pacific nation. He has noted previous talks around visa-waiver access as a viable solution, questioning why some countries receive waivers while geographically close nations do not.
The petition will be officially presented at noon on February 11 in front of Parliament. The prospects for policy change now depend on the government’s readiness, particularly New Zealand First’s willingness to embrace reform. This movement represents a hopeful step towards strengthening relations with neighboring Pacific islands and building a more integrated community.