NZ Maori activist appears in court charged with Visa Scam

Updated June 24, 2009 16:56:38

Relations between Maori and Pacific Islanders in New Zealand have been damaged by an immigration scandal.A Maori activist appeared in an Auckland court today, to face charges relating to selling residency papers to Pacific islanders who've outstayed their visas. The papers have no official status and are worthless. The man allegedly told his victims if they signed up for his services, they would be protected by his Maori tribe.

Presenter Kerri Ritchie
Speaker: Jerred Otimi