The Green Party calls on the Government.
The Green Party is launching a petition to extend visa-free travel to visitors from Pacific Island nations, arguing that it's unfair that people from these countries must jump through bureaucratic hoops to get a visitor visa approved.
According to Green Party spokesperson for Pacific Peoples Teanau Tuiono, Aotearoa's relationships with the region are strong, but current immigration policies create barriers to entry for Pacific Islanders. "Visitors from 60 countries can access Aotearoa without a visa – not a single one is a Pacific Island country," says Tuiono.
The petition aims to demonstrate Aotearoa's value of its relationship with Pacific countries and build an immigration system that values community, connection, and fairness. Green Party leaders want to give Pacific Islanders certainty to visit Aotearoa, allowing families and communities to reconnect without bureaucratic hurdles.
The Pasifika festival in Tāmaki Makaurau this weekend celebrates the rich cultural expression of Pacific peoples. The Green Party believes extending visa-free travel is a step towards stronger ties between Aotearoa and its Pacific Island neighbours.