Stories by Gill Bonnett
News
Student, visitor visa applications jump as NZ border reopens
Students and tourists flocked to apply for visas on the day the last border restrictions were lifted.
'No accountability' in govt halt of temporary visa applications, challenger says
One of the New Zealanders who brought a legal challenge against pandemic border restrictions separating split families says the court result is a "bitter pill to swallow".
Applicant numbers for residence visas exceed government forecasts
The number of migrants who have applied for residence under the one-off settlement visa has now surpassed 200,000 people.
Thousands eye up move to NZ after Supreme Court decision
Thousands of Americans have visited New Zealand immigration websites in the wake of the Supreme Court's controversial decision on abortion law.
'Disappointing result': Legal challenge to temporary visa rules turned down
Families and couples separated by the border closure have lost a legal challenge against immigration rulings.
Interpreter pleads not guilty over alleged role in false asylum claims
An interpreter has pleaded not guilty to involvement in what immigration officials believe was an organised scheme involving more than 150 false claims for asylum.
Asylum fraud probe into 158 claims, interpreter charged
Immigration officials say they have discovered an asylum fraud in which more than 150 people claimed to be in danger from loan sharks.
Admissions scheme for refugees gives University of Auckland top 10 global ranking
The University of Auckland has been given a top 10 global ranking in sustainable development goals after enrolling 800 refugee students.
NZ refuses asylum for academic who spoke about Russia
New Zealand has refused to grant asylum to a dissident law academic who spoke out about election fixing in Russia.
Residence visas being offered to up to 5000 Pasifika after Covid-19 hiatus
Up to 5000 Pasifika will be offered residence visas under a government policy aimed at addressing a pandemic shortfall.
'Conflicted by double life': Man with secret family deported
A man who had a secret family in Vietnam while married to a New Zealander has been deported.
New Zealander wins appeal against deportation from Australia
A New Zealand woman placed in abusive Australian foster care has won an appeal against deportation from Australia.
When 'remote' means 'overseas': How companies are using offshore workers
Employers are hiring staff who can work offshore instead of taking on migrants, and other countries are recruiting workers in New Zealand to do the same.
One country lags in new residence decisions as numbers soar
Almost 200,000 people have now applied to become residents under the fast-track visa, and one in four has been approved.
Human rights and dollar costs: Immigration reviews health rules
Health requirements for new residents are under the microscope as Immigration NZ examines how much certain conditions cost to treat.
New border re-opening details expected
Jacinda Ardern is expected tomorrow to bring forward the October border date. But future residents are being warned they may face a longer wait to settle permanently.
Migrants' Facebook group folds over legal fears
A 75,000-member Facebook group has been disbanded after a complaint from an immigration body about posts, comments and admins' moderation of the site.
Fewer staff employed to process visas as NZ reopens to the world
National says Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has failed to scale-up staffing levels to meet the demand for visas as the border reopens.
'Paying the price daily' - parent visas delayed again
Migrant parents who want to join their adult children as residents in New Zealand have longer to wait before a decision is made on restarting a long-shelved immigration programme.
'Putting on hold your life': 30-month wait and still no visa
Immigration New Zealand is being blamed for restricting how many migrant workers, students and visitors can come into the country.
Law change to allow deportation of potential terrorists, refugees on the cards
The government may change the law so would-be terrorists and refugees who are serious offenders could be sent back to their home countries.
Silence over why mall attacker's request to leave NZ ignored
Government agencies which battled to detain and deport the LynnMall attacker Ahamed Samsudeen are remaining silent on why they did not agree to his request to lose New Zealand residence.
NZ-Ukraine visa: Choosing between safety and your family
Ukrainians trying to flee to New Zealand under a family reunification visa are being told they can come, but they will have to leave their relatives behind.
LynnMall attacker was identified as capable of terrorism if travel plans thwarted
Security services briefings show the LynnMall attacker was highly likely to carry out a terrorist attack in New Zealand only if he was prevented from leaving the country.
Pensioner told to repay $11,300 because she could not get back to NZ
A 77-year-old woman who was stuck in Australia because of border restrictions says she feels hurt at her pension being stopped and receiving a demand to repay more than $11,000.