Siliva Totau, the sole director of Pruning Picking Packing Ltd, was convicted of knowingly employing migrants who did not have valid visas and fined NZD $4,910. Although it is illegal to employ workers who are in breach of their visa conditions, Totau took advantage of these workers' desperation to work.

Under the Immigration Act 2009, if an employer wishes to employ a foreign national, that person is required to hold a visa that entitles them to work in New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand's General Manager Verification and Compliance, Richard Owen, says the horticultural and viticultural industries are important to the New Zealand economy and should be supported by businesses that are operating legally and ethically.

“Employers who demonstrate this kind of exploitive behaviour are jeopardising New Zealand’s reputation as a fair place to live, work and do business.”

Hiring unlawful workers is illegal and can result in significant fines and penalties for businesses. The Immigration Act 2009 prohibits employers from hiring workers who are not authorized to work in New Zealand. Businesses that are found to be in breach of this law can be fined up to $10,000 per worker.

“This conviction should send a strong message to anyone considering employing migrants who are not entitled to work or exploit temporary or unlawful migrants. No form of exploitation is acceptable in New Zealand, and you will be held to account” says Mr Owen.

Report immigration fraud or migrant exploitation

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) encourages anyone who is aware of immigration fraud or migrant exploitation offending to report it immediately.

Cases can be reported to MBIE’s contact centre.
0800 20 90 20

Alternatively, they can be reported to police or anonymously to Crimestoppers on their free phone number or online form.
0800 555 111
Immigration NZ Crimestoppers form – Crimestoppers website