This outcome follows an investigation into exploitation allegations by a group of migrant workers who were previously employed by Kurisi.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) officials who led the operation are pleased the Crown is now able to avoid an expensive trial involving witnesses who no longer reside in New Zealand.

In July 2020, five residential properties in the Tauranga area were searched following allegations that contracting companies were exploiting migrant workers. The searches were initiated following information being provided to INZ by the kiwifruit/horticulture industry and by the community.

As part of the operation, INZ spoke to 27 people about their immigration status and their employment in New Zealand, establishing they were from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Bangladesh. Steps were taken to place them with legitimate employers after the operation. Most of them initially remained living and working in New Zealand though the majority have since left the country.

James Friend, MBIE’s National Manager Immigration Investigation, says this is a great result which demonstrates the importance of cross-agency Government collaboration, working with businesses and the community.

“I’m incredibly proud of our investigation team which led the operation. The involvement of our colleagues from the Labour Inspectorate, Tenancy Services and of course New Zealand Police led to a comprehensive case.

“His guilty plea allows our justice system to move forward to sentencing and, importantly, without retraumatising his victims who have now moved on to better stages of their lives.”

James also acknowledges the role played by the horticulture industry and specifically Zespri for their investment in helping stamp out this type of behaviour.

Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson welcomed the result which underlined the industry's commitment to providing a safe working environment, and acknowledged the efforts of the government to help ensure this.

“Any exploitation of workers is unacceptable, and our industry is committed to working alongside the Government to ensure our industry is one where people are valued, supported and safe in their jobs and where the minority who don't live up to those standards are held to account."

Kurisi is a repeat offender and was previously sentenced in February 2017 on four migrant exploitation charges. He was sentenced to 12 months home detention and ordered to pay $55,000 in reparations.

Media contact: Phone +64 21 812 667 or email media@mbie.govt.nz

Note to editors:
On 11 September 2020, INZ Investigators supported by NZ Police arrested Jafar Kurisi and charged him with:

• Exploitation of temporary workers, Section 351(1)(a)(ii) Immigration Act 2009 – Minimum Wage Act × 4
• Exploitation of temporary workers, Section 351(1)(a)(i) Immigration Act 2009 – Holidays Act × 3

Further, on 16 October 2020, Kurisi was again arrested and charged with attempts to pervert the course of justice, Section 117(e), Crimes Act 1961.

On Tuesday, 30 January 2024, Jafar Kurisi, a New Zealand citizen, pleaded guilty to these charges.

Kurisi is due to be sentenced in the Tauranga District Court on 1 May 2024.

This means the trial set for 12 February 2024 will not proceed. Kurisi’s original trial date, set to commence from 26 May 2022, was delayed by Covid-19.