Tongans targeted in NZ immigration scam

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Updated February 4, 2010 11:24:26

Hundreds of Tongan overstayers in New Zealand are reportedly travelling to Waitangi this Saturday, expecting to be granted New Zealand citizenship, in what authorities are describing as a scam. A Maori elder, Kingi Taurua, has promised the Tongans that if he adopts them into his tribe, they'll get citizenship on the country's national day, Waitangi Day. The scheme has been condemned as bogus and misleading, with authorities warning that only the Immigration Department has the power to grant citizenship. Mr Tairua says he's not charging any money - but one of his Tongan associates, Josh Liava'a, has been doing that, initially charging $1,000, although now he says he's simply asking for a donation.

Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speakers: Kingi Taurua, Maori elder; Carmel Sepuloni, New Zealand opposition MP

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