David Seymour revives sensible proposal for migrants to sign NZ values statement
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has renewed calls for migrants coming to New Zealand to affirm their commitment to core Kiwi values, a move that deserves serious consideration as part of the country’s broader immigration policy.
Seymour suggested that migrants should sign a “New Zealand values statement,” which would reinforce the importance of free speech, gender equality, legal rights, religious freedom and individual liberty. These principles are already enshrined in the New Zealand Bill of Rights.
The ACT leader first proposed the idea in 2016 in response to rising concerns about social cohesion. His suggestion at the time sparked criticism from NZ First, with Winston Peters accusing Seymour of borrowing from their playbook. Now, both men are in government and both are raising the alarm about ensuring immigration serves New Zealand’s long-term interests.
Seymour told Newstalk ZB this week that the Government should seriously consider adopting such a policy. “If you want to be part of New Zealand, you should sign up to values like the equality of men and women, respect for the law, and the right to free expression,” he said.
ACT party’s constitution already refers to this idea. It states that citizenship or permanent residency should be contingent on affirming the democratic rights outlined in sections 12 to 18 of the NZ Bill of Rights Act. These include the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and freedom of expression.
Although Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has not raised the concept formally, there is precedent for it. Australia requires migrants to accept a values statement as part of the visa process. It outlines key principles such as respect for law, freedom of religion and the dignity of the individual.
NZ First has previously pushed for similar safeguards, including a bill that would have required migrants to sign a values statement before entry. Their concern, echoed by Peters again last week, is that too many migrants are arriving in New Zealand without understanding or respecting the social contract that underpins Kiwi society.
Critics of immigration policy often talk tough before elections, Seymour noted, but rarely follow through once in power. “You can’t shut immigration down completely,” he said, pointing to the needs of local businesses competing in a global market. But that does not mean we should open the floodgates without expecting anything in return.
A values statement would not restrict immigration. It would guide it. It would ensure that those coming to New Zealand understand what this country stands for and commit to upholding it. That is not xenophobic or extreme. It is common sense.
New Zealanders are right to expect that anyone who wants to live here understands and respects our laws, freedoms and social norms. If that is too much to ask, maybe this is not the right country for them.
Agree totally with Kathazel. More virtue signalling from ACT. But if we’re going to consider it, perhaps each perspective new citizen could read the statement aloud, in English, individually, during the ceremony. At least that way we, I’m an immigrant, would have chance to reflect on and perhaps own what is being said.
However we need to get rid of our obsession with a low wage economy
Yes, great. But I’m not convinced they care too much about NZ. It’s just better than where they’re coming from - education, health, benefits etc. It’s a back door to Australia and, naturally, they stick to their own.
We need laws to manage this. Maybe percentages of race religions so dominance doesn’t take hold.
Maybe, migrants get access to the benefits of permanent residency / citizenship but the right to expel still stands.