Supporters of a man accused of running a passport scam targeting Pacific Island overstayers hailed him with prayers and hymns on his appearance at the Manukau District Court on Thursday.
Gerard Otimi faces 36 charges of altering documents and one of giving immigration advice without a licence.
The small courtroom was packed with his supporters when he appeared with Afakasi Slade, who is charged with two counts of altering documents with intent to cause loss. The pair were remanded until 18 October.
When Mr Otimi came out of the courthouse, a group of about 50 people erupted into song, holding hands and forming a circle around him.
A Samoan man said to be a matai thanked him for supporting Pacific people, and he in turn thanked the crowd. Many posed for pictures with him.
