A Samoan member of parliament for the Green Party in New Zealand, Teanau Tuiono is spearheading efforts to restore citizenship to Samoans stripped of it in 1982, but success hinges on securing cross-party support.

Pacific Media Netwrok reported that Tuiono's bill aims to reinstate New Zealand citizenship for those affected by the 1982 legislation. However, with 63 votes required for the bill to progress past its first reading in April, the support of one of the governing parties becomes imperative.

In an interview with Levi Matautia–Morgan on 531pi’s Pacific Mornings show, Tuiono stressed the pivotal nature of securing backing from both opposition and government ranks. 

“We don't get 63 votes, then the bill is dead right there,” he said.

While the Labour Party's stance remains undecided, Tuiono expressed optimism about garnering their support, noting positive signals from within the party.

“That's the vibes I get, but that's all I get as well, it really is a call for them.

“I want them (Labour) to support my bill, don't get me wrong, but it's important for me to let them have their process and sometimes this can take some time, but I'm hoping that they will support it … at least support through (to) the first reading,” Tuiono says.

Critical to Tuiono is advancing past the first reading, enabling community input during the select committee stage to reconcile historical injustices with present realities. Despite hints of support from Te Pāti Māori, Tuiono remains cautious, mindful of the uncertainty until the actual vote.

However, even with opposition backing, the bill falls short by eight votes, necessitating support from National or coalition partners ACT and NZ First. 

Tuiono has reached out to Prime Minister Luxon and NZ First, emphasizing the bill's commitment to fairness and dispelling concerns about mass migration.

The proposed legislation, the Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill, addresses the aftermath of a Privy Council ruling recognizing Western Samoans as British subjects in 1982, only to have their New Zealand citizenship revoked by the government.

While some advocate for compensation in lieu of citizenship, Tuiono contends that citizenship reinstatement is the epitome of fairness for those wronged by past policies. 

Notably, the bill's scope extends to less than 4,000 Samoans, underscoring its targeted nature.

Tuiono remains resolute in his pursuit of justice, navigating the intricate political landscape to secure the necessary support for the bill's passage. 

As April approaches, the fate of this legislative endeavor hangs in the balance, with hopes pinned on bipartisan cooperation to rectify decades-old grievances.