Who should have the right to vote in New Zealand is shaping up as a key election issue.
New Zealand First (NZ First) is defending its Citizens Only proposal that would remove voting rights from permanent residents.
The party wants only New Zealand citizens to be able to vote in general elections, local council elections, and referendums.
Under current rules, permanent residents can vote after living in the country for at least one year.
The proposal has raised questions about its impact on Pacific communities, where some long-term residents have not yet taken up New Zealand citizenship.
Speaking on Pacific Mornings, NZ First Leader Winston Peters rejected suggestions the policy would unfairly disadvantage Pasifika.
“Where in the world do they allow that to happen? My point is, if you’re going to sign up to New Zealand, then sign up,” Peters says.
“The great thing about the Pacific countries is they’re allowed to have dual citizenship. They’ll have no difficulty in doing this at all.
Peters said becoming a citizen showed a long-term commitment to Aotearoa.
“As somebody who comes from a people who left probably a thousand years ago before we came to New Zealand, some of us have signed up and committed to this place. If you’re coming to New Zealand, why aren’t you?”
Peters also pointed to Pacific nations that restrict voting to citizens, saying countries like Sāmoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands do not allow non-citizens to vote.
The debate comes as political parties sharpen their campaigns 100 days before the election later this year.
The Opportunity Party Leader Qiulae Wong said New Zealanders were becoming frustrated with political division and wanted parties to work together. “But I do think if we could sit down around the table …. maybe we can find common ground.”
Wong earlier told RNZ voters were tired of the “tribalism” of politics and believed parties should be willing to work across political lines.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has ruled out working with The Opportunity Party after the election.
Peters also dismissed Wong’s prospects of entering Parliament.
“We’re not wasting our time with that, those sorts of people. Nobody’s going to be interested in them and they’re not going to get up in the polls,” he says.
“The mainstream media have created this thing and they’ve got 100 days to try and keep it alive. Now stand back and watch how difficult this is.”
The electoral debate comes as political parties target issues they believe will resonate with voters. tThe debate over who gets to vote is likely to be one of the more closely watched issues in the months ahead.
The 2026 general election will be held on Saturday, 07 November, with advance voting opening on Monday, 26 October.
