Latest news with #CarmelSepuloni
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
US travel ban: Countries have the right to decide who can cross their borders, Peters says
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Winston Peters says countries have the right to choose who enters their borders in response to reports that the Trump administration is planning to impose travel restrictions on three dozen nations, including three in the Pacific. But Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni says the New Zealand foreign minister should push back on the United States' proposal. Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu have reportedly been included in an expanded proposal of 36 additional countries for which the Trump administration is considering travel restrictions. The cable was first reported by The Washington Post. A State Department spokesperson told the outlet that the agency would not comment on internal deliberations or White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Peters said countries have the right to decide who can cross their borders. "Before we all get offended, we've got the right to decide in New Zealand who comes to our country. So has Australia, so so has the United States," Peters said. He said New Zealand will do its best to address the US security concerns. "We need to do our best to ensure there are no misunderstandings." Peters said US concerns could be over selling citizenship or citizenship-by-investment schemes. Vanuatu runs a "golden passport" scheme where applicants can be granted Vanuatu citizenship for a minimum investment of US$130,000. Peters says citizenship programmes, such as the citizenship-by-investment schemes which allow people to purchase passports, could have concerned the Trump administration. Photo: 123RF Peters said programmes like that could have concerned the Trump administration. "There are certain decisions that have been made, which look innocent, but when they come to an international capacity do not have that effect. "Tuvalu has been selling passports. You see where an made in Tuvalu can lead to the concerns in the United States when it comes to security." However, Sepuloni wants Peters to push back on the US considering travel restrictions for Pacific nations. Labour Party Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver Sepuloni said she wants the foreign minister to get a full explanation on the proposed restrictions. "From there, I would expect him to be pushing back on the US and supporting our Pacific nations to be taken off that list," she said. "Their response is 'why us? We're so tiny - what risk do we pose?'" Massey University associate professor in defence and security studies Anna Powles said Vanuatu has appeared on the US' bad side in the past. "Back in March Vanuatu was one of over 40 countries that was reported to be on the immigration watchlist and that related to Vanuatu's golden passport scheme," she said. However, a US spokesperson denied the existence of such a list. "What people are looking not a list that exists here that is being acted on," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said, according to a transcript of her press briefing provided to BenarNews . "There is a review, as we know, through the president's executive order, for us to look at the nature of what's going to help keep America safer in dealing with the issue of visas and who's allowed into the country." Powles said it is the first time Tonga has been included. "That certainly has raised some concern amongst Tongans because there's a large Tongan diaspora in the United States." She said students studying in the US could be affected; but while there's a degree of bemusement and concern over the issue, there's also a degree of waiting to see how this unfolds. Trump signed a proclamation on 4 June banning the nationals of 12 countries from entering the United States , saying the move was needed to protect against "foreign terrorists" and other security threats.
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
US travel ban: 'We've got the right to decide who comes to our country', Peters says
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Winston Peters says countries have the right to choose who enters their borders in response to reports that the Trump administration is planning to impose travel restrictions on three dozen nations, including three in the Pacific. But Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni says the New Zealand foreign minister should push back on the United States' proposal. Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu have reportedly been included in an expanded proposal of 36 additional countries for which the Trump administration is considering travel restrictions. The cable was first reported by The Washington Post. A State Department spokesperson told the outlet that the agency would not comment on internal deliberations or White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Peters said countries have the right to decide who can cross their borders. "Before we all get offended, we've got the right to decide in New Zealand who comes to our country. So has Australia, so so has the United States," Peters said. He said New Zealand will do its best to address the US security concerns. "We need to do our best to ensure there are no misunderstandings." Peters said US concerns could be over selling citizenship or citizenship-by-investment schemes. Vanuatu runs a "golden passport" scheme where applicants can be granted Vanuatu citizenship for a minimum investment of US$130,000. Peters says citizenship programmes, such as the citizenship-by-investment schemes which allow people to purchase passports, could have concerned the Trump administration. Photo: 123RF Peters said programmes like that could have concerned the Trump administration. "There are certain decisions that have been made, which look innocent, but when they come to an international capacity do not have that effect. "Tuvalu has been selling passports. You see where an made in Tuvalu can lead to the concerns in the United States when it comes to security." However, Sepuloni wants Peters to push back on the US considering travel restrictions for Pacific nations. Labour Party Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver Sepuloni said she wants the foreign minister to get a full explanation on the proposed restrictions. "From there, I would expect him to be pushing back on the US and supporting our Pacific nations to be taken off that list," she said. "Their response is 'why us? We're so tiny - what risk do we pose?'" Massey University associate professor in defence and security studies Anna Powles said Vanuatu has appeared on the US' bad side in the past. "Back in March Vanuatu was one of over 40 countries that was reported to be on the immigration watchlist and that related to Vanuatu's golden passport scheme," she said. However, a US spokesperson denied the existence of such a list. "What people are looking not a list that exists here that is being acted on," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said, according to a transcript of her press briefing provided to BenarNews . "There is a review, as we know, through the president's executive order, for us to look at the nature of what's going to help keep America safer in dealing with the issue of visas and who's allowed into the country." Powles said it is the first time Tonga has been included. "That certainly has raised some concern amongst Tongans because there's a large Tongan diaspora in the United States." She said students studying in the US could be affected; but while there's a degree of bemusement and concern over the issue, there's also a degree of waiting to see how this unfolds. Trump signed a proclamation on 4 June banning the nationals of 12 countries from entering the United States , saying the move was needed to protect against "foreign terrorists" and other security threats.
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
'Look at the plan for growth' - Pacific peoples minister on NZ budget
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi New Zealand's Pacific peoples minister says Pasifika people should see themselves in the Government's 2025 budget. It comes amid disappointment in the financial plan from several quarters, including from a Tongan Auckland community leader and from the opposition's Pacific peoples spokesperson, Carmel Sepuloni. The Budget included a funding cut for the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) of nearly NZ$36 million over the next four years - equating to $9m annually - and the closing of the Tauola Business Fund which will save $3.5m a year. But Dr Shane Reti told Pacific Waves the benefits set to come from the Budget will also benefit Pasifika in Aotearoa. Asked what he would say to people who are still reluctant or still doubtful about what this budget can deliver for Pacific peoples, Reti said: "I think what I'd say to them is look at the plan for growth. "It is an economic growth agenda. As inflation comes down, cost of living improves. Pasifika people benefit from that," he said. "As inflation comes down, interest rates come down; mortgage rates come down. Therefore it's an easier pathway into housing - that's got to benefit Pasifika people. "And the extra 240,000 jobs, Pasifika people will participate in that. "So I would anticipate that Pasifika see themselves in this budget. It is an economic growth agenda and Pasifika people will benefit from economic growth." Dr Reti said he has "complete confidence" that MPP will still be able to deliver its core services. "We need to understand that any reductions in budget are spread out over four years. "Our Toloa scholarships used to be completely managed - that is that alignment between applicants and the mission for the Toloa fund used to be managed by MPP. That is now outsourced to a specialist agency who, more effective and more efficiently is able to help us find the 300 people roughly that we're looking to support each year through the Toloa STEM scholarships. So that's an example of MPP becoming more effective, more efficient and better using the funding that it does have." On Wednesday, Dr Reti announced NZ$1 million over four years for the Auckland Pacific Wardens Trust. The funding is for established wardens in Auckland and South Waikato but Reti said he would like to see the initiative expand to other parts of the country. Reti said Pacific Wardens are a trusted and vital presence in communities.
RNZ News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Oral Questions for 21 May 2025
Questions to Ministers Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? DAN BIDOIS to the Minister of Finance: What is the Government's objective for net core Crown debt? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Minister for Women: Does she stand by her answer to oral question No. 4 on Thursday, 15 May that "The initial conversation I had with the Minister of Finance regarding pay equity occurred on 9 November 2024"; if so, on what date did she first inform the Ministry for Women of potential pay equity changes? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister of Transport: What announcements has he made regarding rail funding in Budget 2025? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement in relation to Budget 2025 that "The vast bulk of these initiatives will be funded from savings. As in last year's Budget, existing areas of spending will be redirected towards higher priorities"? JOSEPH MOONEY to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality: What recent reports has she seen on tourism in New Zealand? TODD STEPHENSON to the Minister for Regulation: What recent announcements has he made on progressing the Regulatory Standards Bill? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by all her statements and actions regarding pay equity and workforce conditions in the education sector? TAKUTAI TARSH KEMP to the Associate Minister of Housing: What role, if any, have the Government's policies and decisions played in contributing to the 53 percent increase in homelessness in Tamaki Makaurau between September 2024 and January 2025, particularly for rangatahi? DAVID MacLEOD to the Minister for Maori Development: What recent announcements has he made about Maori Wardens? CAMILLA BELICH to the Minister for ACC: Does he stand by his statements and actions in relation to the Accident Compensation Corporation? To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Pasifika leaders, influencers weigh in on proposed social media ban for under 16s
Photo: RNZ As the New Zealand government considers restricting social media access for under-16s , Pacific leaders in Parliament and online influencers are weighing in with a mix of views, ranging from cautious support to concern, and even strong opposition. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Sunday that Cabinet will consider a social media ban for under-16s, despite opposition from coalition partner ACT. He expressed concern about the harm social media can cause young New Zealanders, suggesting that restricting access for under-16s would help protect them from bullying, harmful content, and addiction. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi "I talked to parents, I talked to teachers, I talked to principals and they are all struggling with actually the harm that social media is causing our kids," Luxon said. Labour's Pacific peoples spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni said they are pleased the government listened when they told them it should be a government bill not a private member's bill. Sepuloni said as a mother she shares concerns about online safety for her children in the new digital age. She said that many Pacific people have created safe spaces online for their communities. However, increased time spent on these platforms raises the risk of unsolicited harm, which understandably fuels many parents' fears. Among Pacific social media influencers, the response is more critical. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone RNZ Pacific spoke to three prominent influencers all of whom said the government's focus might be misplaced. Social media content creator and broadcaster Regan Foai, who hosts Niu FM's breakfast show, is a parent himself and he said the government should invest in more significant issues. "I'll double down on the fact that I do feel that the money that is being put into this should be put into other places in this country," Foai told RNZ Pacific. "There's a lot of things going on at the moment, and I feel for the people that are struggling on the ground here. "I do feel like it's a parent's responsibility to help their children navigate the social media world, and I do worry in that space where, if the government tell you, 'Hey, we're putting a ban, your kids can't go on social media'. "What's next after that? They're going to tell us how to feed our kids. Once you put that ban in place, it kind of opens up a gate to a whole bunch of other things," he said. Content creator and NiuFM host Regan Foai Photo: Supplied Hana Matauaina Vaai Schmidt, a mother and presenter of Bluwave's Breaking Waves Podcast, said it was a good idea, but she pointed out similar initiatives were failing in other countries. "When I heard this, the first thing I thought was 'the intention is good, but will it work?' "We've seen other countries try to apply the same law but children and youth have just found a way around to accessing social media tools," Schmidt said. "It is a good thing we're identifying that this is a problem in New Zealand, and we're working towards a solution. "But I think more consultation needs to be done on whether putting the investment or money into this solution will actually work and if it will provide a better outcome for our communities." Hana Matauaina Vaai Schmidt Photo: Supplied Comic artist Michael Mulipola, better known as 'Bloody Samoan' on his online platforms, echoed similar sentiments. However, he said for him it is an educational thing. "It's almost kind of plugging a leak with a piece of sellotape," Mulipola said. "It's a temporary kind of measure and a short-sighted one too because our youth, the last two generations of youth, their existence is in the online space. That's where they find friendship, that's where they find connection." He said the drawback is it is also where you can find harassment and online trolls, which he has had first-hand experiences with himself. "I feel like it should be more about education around how to deal with those kind of things," he said. "But that's the lives of our youth now - it's online [and] they are digital." Comic artist Michel Mulipola aka Bloody Samoan Photo: Supplied Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono said its important to acknowledge the harms that can come with social media platforms and the issue should be looked at from a harm-reduction perspective. At the same time, he said the onus should not just be put on people under the age of 16. "We know that misinformation and disinformation target people right across [all] age groups, and many of our seniors are particularly vulnerable as well," Tuiono said. He said it is also important to hold the social media platforms accountable. "It's all very well to pass out the responsibility to the individual people under the age of 16 or older people. "But where's the responsibility from social media platforms? They are responsible for this harm where is there responsibility for this?" Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone He believes a broader approach is needed. "They need to be responsible for the harm they they are creating, that their algorithm creates for young people, and also on democracy itself. "That's an important ingredient in this conversation."
