More than 50 Samoans gathered this week in Manurewa, New Zealand, to celebrate the return of something taken from them over 40 years ago, their New Zealand citizenship.

The celebration marked the passing of the Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Act, which restored citizenship to Samoans who were affected by a 1982 law. That law had removed New Zealand citizenship from Sāmoans born between 13 May 1924 and 1 January 1949.

In February this year, an estimated 847 Samoans had their citizenship restored as part of the new law. The process took place over three months.

The event in Manurewa, named Faliu Le La, was held on Monday at the Manurewa Sports Centre. It brought together families, community leaders, and those whose citizenship was restored. The event was supported by the ASA Foundation, and St John staff were present to help.

One of the key guests was Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson and MP Teanau Tuiono, who helped pass the new law. 

 “We’ve had a beautiful gathering and, importantly, we've seen some justice being done as well. We know that this has been an injustice that has been carried by the community for some time now,” he said, reported the media.

Tuiono, who is Māori and Cook Islander, said he grew up in South Auckland and knew how close Māori and Pacific communities are.

“If something impacts somebody in another community, then you feel that because these are your friends,” he said.

“That’s why it was important for me to support this bill… My team was a Tongan, a Māori, and a i-Kiribati, and they could all see that this was an injustice.”

Teleiai Edwin Puni, who hosted the event, is the Chairman of the Pacific Leadership Forum and a member of the ASA Foundation. He said the event is more than just a celebration — it’s the start of a new chapter.

 “There is another struggle of getting through the processes of the entitlements, whether it's WINZ or housing… We have our communities here in New Zealand that will work with them in the coming months to help them settle,” he said.

Teleiai said over 50 people came to the event, and another 30 could not attend due to hospital visits.

 “We wish them a speedy recovery. This event is going to be a monthly event… under the ASA Foundation.”

He said the Faliu Le La gatherings also help elderly Sāmoans feel less alone. Being part of the reason for the gathering being called “ Faliu Le La.”

“It's not the setting of the sun, but the turning of the sun. So they still have a lot of good years, and we want them to be happy here in New Zealand. Many haven't found out, but they're welcome to join,” he said 

 “When they come to New Zealand, their children go to work, and the kids go to school. The whole week they stay at home by themselves.”

Tuiono ended by thanking everyone who helped pass the law.