Tomorrow is the final day in Aotearoa New Zealand for oral submissions to be presented to the Governance and Administration Committee, regarding the Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill. Why is this important? Because many Samoans, including our director, Louise Tu’u, have close relatives including parents, siblings, cousins and wider aiga/family, who have been impacted by the 1982 bill, which stripped NZ citizenship of Samoan citizens, living in New Zealand, born between 1924-1949. Louise ‘s parents are part of that demographic.
Last Monday the 1st of July, Louise rode to present an oral submission at the JetPark Hotel in Māngere. As it was a clement morning, Louise decided to cycle there from Ōtāhuhu, heading along Favona Road, turning right into Harania Ave, left into Robertson Road, right into Bader Drive and then left onto the lovely cycling and walkway alongside George Bolt Memorial Drive. She then turned left onto Massey Road, riding past Mangere Central School then crossed over and turned right into Westney Road where 300 metres down, she turned right into the JetPark carpark. The ride was fun and hectic, being a Monday morning with lots of school kids in cars traffic.
Presenting her submission was personal to a committee of five Members of Parliament (MP) from three different political parties, outlining a short narrative about Louise’s parents and their existence in New Zealand since 1966 as immigrants, working as manual labourers. The process was quick, lasting 3 minutes and ending with 3 questions for Louise. You can watch the submissions here. Louise stayed on briefly before riding back home, to chat with other presenters, electorate staff and to reconnect with the Member of Parliament, presenting this bill: Teanau Tuiono.
Fa’afetai tele lava mo lau galuega Teanau and his office and for acknowledging the presence and tenacity of the late Faʻanānā Efeso Collins and his part in this bill. We miss you Efeso.
#pushbikelyfe #RIPEfesoCollins #southaukilani #brownwomxnwhocycle
We Should Practice 