DOCUMENTARY
The Fight for Justice: The Road to the 2024 Citizenship Amendment
This powerful documentary chronicles Anae Arthur Anae’s decades-long fight for justice for Samoan and Pacific communities in New Zealand. Tracing the journey from the aftermath of the Samoa Citizenship Act 1982 to the pivotal 2024 Citizenship Amendment, the film captures the determination, setbacks, and victories that have defined this movement.
Through rare archival footage, personal interviews, and firsthand testimonies, viewers witness Anae’s relentless advocacy—from forming the Mau Sitiseni Mo Samoa Group in 1997, to leading public campaigns and engaging with government leaders at every level. The documentary highlights the partial victory achieved in November 2024, when Samoans born between 13 May 1924 and 31 December 1948 were finally recognized as New Zealand citizens. Yet, it also shines a light on the ongoing struggle for full justice, especially for those still excluded by technicalities.
“The Fight for Justice” is more than a historical account—it’s a story of resilience, community, and the unwavering pursuit of equality. Anae’s journey, and the voices of those he represents, inspire viewers to reflect on the meaning of citizenship, belonging, and the unfinished work of justice.
Arthur Anae’s Advocacy
A Unified Effort
Arthur Anae’s leadership was instrumental in the success of this amendment. His work with the Mau Sitiseni Mo Samoa Group, founded in 1997, brought national attention to the plight of Samoans denied their rightful citizenship. Anae’s efforts included:
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Leading petitions to gather widespread support for legislative change.
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Engaging in community outreach to keep the issue alive in public discourse.
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Collaborating with other political figures to ensure the amendment remained a priority in Parliament.
Anae’s ability to bridge the gap between communities and policymakers was a key factor in the eventual passage of the 2024 Amendment. His advocacy not only addressed the legal aspects of citizenship but also highlighted the broader social and cultural implications of denying Samoans their rightful status.
The 2024 Amendment
A Turning Point
The passage of the Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Act 2024 was a historic victory for Pacific communities. It ensured that individuals affected by the earlier legislation could finally claim their New Zealand citizenship, reaffirming their place in the country’s history and future.
This amendment also served as a symbol of reconciliation, acknowledging the shared history between Samoa and New Zealand and the contributions of Samoans to New Zealand society.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
The 2024 Amendment is a testament to the power of perseverance and collective action. It highlights the importance of addressing historical injustices and ensuring that all communities are treated with fairness and respect. For Arthur Anae, this achievement is a continuation of his lifelong mission to empower Pacific communities and advocate for equity.
The documentary would close this chapter by emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilance and advocacy to protect the rights of marginalized communities, using the 2024 Amendment as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through unity and determination.
Continuing the Movement
MOMENTS
This section captures pivotal moments in the journey toward passing the Samoa Citizenship Act and its 2024 Amendment. Each moment reflects the determination and collaboration of Pacific leaders, including Arthur Anae, to achieve justice for Samoans.
The Formation of the
Mau Sitiseni Mo Samoa Group (1997):
A grassroots movement led by Arthur Anae to campaign for Samoan citizenship rights.
Key Parliamentary Debates on the 1982 Act and Beyond:
Highlights of the crucial discussions that shaped the restoration of citizenship rights.
The Passing of the
2024 Amendment
The culmination of decades of advocacy, celebrated as a victory for Pacific communities.
BEST MOMENTS
This section celebrates the most inspiring and impactful highlights of the journey, focusing on the achievements and legacy of Arthur Anae and his collaborators.
Arthur Anae’s Leadership in Parliament
The Establishment of the Pacific Room (2002)
Breakthroughs and Continuing Efforts
His role as the first Pacific person in New Zealand’s Parliament and his advocacy for Pacific representation.
A global first, symbolizing the recognition of Pacific cultures in government.
In 2024, Anae secured citizenship recognition for Samoans born between 1924 and 1948. He now advocates for Pacific peoples to receive visitor permits on arrival in New Zealand, further strengthening regional ties.
The Pacific Justice Movement
Calling for Equality, Respect, and Dignity for Pacific Peoples
The Pacific Justice Movement is calling on the New Zealand Government to treat Pacific peoples with equality, respect, and dignity. At present, citizens from 60 countries representing a combined population of 1.649 billion people receive automatic three-month visitor visas on arrival in New Zealand. In contrast, the Pacific Island Forum countries, whose population totals just 15.1 million, are excluded from this privilege despite their long-standing ties to this land.
We have stood with New Zealand through history. We fought alongside New Zealand soldiers in times of war, many never to return. In the 1940s, we came to staff the factories that powered the nation’s growth. In the 1970s, we endured the shame of the Dawn Raids dragged from homes, stopped on the streets, and deported without compassion.
In recognition for long standing relationships
Yeah right,
what about the longstanding relationship with the People of the Pacific.
Despite this history, Pacific peoples have excelled. We have brought pride to New Zealand on the world stage in sport, music, and academia. Our communities have produced judges, ministers, MPs, councillors, and government leaders. We have proven that, when given opportunity, Pacific peoples thrive.
And yet, while dozens of nations enjoy free access, our families must beg for visas just to bury loved ones, attend weddings, or gather for milestones. We must pay large fees, secure sponsors, complete lengthy applications, and too often face rejection with no refund.
New Zealand is our second home. The majority of our people live here. We regard Aotearoa as our matriarch, and New Zealanders themselves recognise and value our contributions. But immigration policy continues to treat us as outsiders.
Even Samoa, with a population of more than 200,000, until recently was granted only one hour of immigration services per day. After intervention, this was extended to eight hours, but with no real improvement in service. Our voices remain unheard.
Meanwhile, the National Party-led Coalition Government has chosen to prioritise the wealthy of the world. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford have rolled out the red carpet for millionaires and billionaires offering them immediate pathways to citizenship and benefits ordinary New Zealanders and Pacific peoples have struggled for generations to earn.
History reminds us of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Today, Judas has returned in the form of Prime Minister Luxon and Minister Stanford, who have sold out New Zealand to the rich and privileged.
This is betrayal. It is not leadership. These new arrivals will take what they want, fill party coffers, and leave with wealth and privilege while ordinary New Zealand businesses collapse, workers lose jobs, and families struggle in hardship.
New Zealanders, it is time to wake up. Leadership should be about people, not profit. Justice, not privilege. Unity, not division.
Political leadership is the ability to balance economics with the social responsibility for the needs of the people you serve and who elected you. Nationals attitude of greater than thou, we are successful and know better than you. Those days are well gone and if the attitude doesn’t change, they will be buried in the History of NZ.
The red carpet take over of NZ by the ultra-rich, to who $5million is pocket money.
Mr Luxon, what about the people who have spent a lifetime building this country, paying the taxes that give us what we have today under stress. There are no special privileges for New Zealanders who built this country and struggle every day. We have had record company liquidations and people struggling to survive. Yet you have rolled out the red carpet to those who can invest from outside in NZ companies if they wanted to. But you chose to ignore the people who built this country to attract the ultra-rich to fill Nationals coffers for the next election.
New Zealanders are not deaf or blind, I sincerely hope next years election we will have a leader with long term political experience, treats all New Zealanders as equals, has the long term of Political know how, respected and admired internationally and within NZ. We need to change to someone who carers about all New Zealanders equally.
The Pacific Justice Movement stands firm: The time for change is NOW.
