Moeaia Tuai. Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett
A young woman who worked for almost two months without a day off was not exploited or assaulted, says a man accused of slavery and sex offences.
Aucklander Moeaia Tuai, 63, gave evidence in his High Court trial today, and also called assault allegations a "big lie".
He has pleaded not guilty to two charges of dealing in slaves, involving two young people.
He also denies two rapes, eight charges of indecent assault, six of sexual violation by unlawful connection and assault with a statue and a broom.
The Crown has accused him of keeping one of his alleged victims' wages, hitting her and not allowing her to communicate with others.
Under cross-examination, Tuai agreed the young woman - then a teenager - worked 57 days in a row at her first job in a laundrette. She was usually paid $90 'under the table' a day, with no employment contract and no rights.
Tuai said the job was work experience, and the pay was supposed to cover things such as money to buy lunch.
Prosecutor Chris Howard asked if he knew what was happening was illegal. Tuai said he did not know, and it had been her wish to work.
Tuai earlier told the jury at Auckland High Court he talked with her about making bank transfers from her account, and she authorised him to withdraw money. "She would smile and say 'that is fine'," he said.
He denied he hit her, and said both young people were free to talk to each other, contrary to what she and a witness told police.
The prosecution alleges Tuai put her to work in various jobs, took at least $78,000 of her money and made her take out a large loan.
Tuai said some of the money she earned went on expenses and buying a TV she wanted, as well as going shopping for what she wanted.
When they discussed whether he could withdraw money, and what it would be spent on, she told him 'it's up to you, whatever you see fit', he added.
The trial continues.
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