Hundreds of supporters are anticipated to gather at the forecourt of the New Zealand Parliament on Wednesday, as a longstanding push for visa-free travel for certain Pacific nationals reaches a pivotal moment. The initiative, which seeks to allow eligible Pacific visitors to receive a three-month visitor visa upon arrival in New Zealand, has garnered close to 50,000 signatures.
This petition will be officially presented to Winston Peters, the leader of New Zealand First, who is expected to articulate his party’s stance following the submission. The campaign, spearheaded by former National MP Anae Arthur Anae, emphasizes that the current visa regulations impose unnecessary burdens on Pacific families during significant situations such as funerals, health crises, and important cultural events.
In a conversation on Pacific Mornings, Anae expressed concern regarding the adequacy of the existing system. “This can’t continue forever. It has to be fixed and I want to fix it now,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of reform.
The coming Wednesday’s presentation signifies a crucial transition, moving from public advocacy to a test of coalition politics. New Zealand First’s position is critical, as they are a key partner in the government, and their support could largely influence whether the proposal gains momentum or falters.
Reactions from coalition partners have been varied. ACT leader David Seymour has shown sympathy for the argument, recognizing Pacific nations as New Zealand’s closest neighbors. However, he framed any alterations to visa access as contingent upon risk assessments and compliance by visitors. “We’ll always listen to him [Anae], but we have to make the same calculations that every government does on visa matters,” Seymour remarked. He disputed claims regarding unfair barriers for Pacific individuals but acknowledged that experiences may differ.
The National Party has yet to take a formal stance on the petition, but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon noted previous changes made in April that aimed to facilitate travel for some Pacific nationals, which some perceive as a hesitance to commit to further reforms at this time.
On the opposition front, Labour has maintained a cautious yet open outlook. Carmel Sepuloni, the Pacific Peoples spokesperson for Labour, stated that the party is “certainly open” to reevaluating current visa policies, indicating that further discussions are necessary before arriving at a formal position.
The Greens stand out with their unequivocal support for the petition. MP Teanau Tuiono emphasized that New Zealand’s visa policies should reflect its identity as a Pacific nation. He referred to previous discussions around visa-waiver access as a potential solution, questioning why some countries can obtain visa waivers while those geographically close cannot.
The petition will be formally presented at noon on February 11 in front of Parliament. The potential for policy changes now hinges on the willingness of the government, particularly New Zealand First, to embrace reform. This effort symbolizes a hopeful step towards strengthening ties with neighboring Pacific islands and fostering a more connected community.