Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse says claims people smugglers are selling asylum seekers passports and visas for entry to New Zealand by plane are outrageous.
An investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has uncovered a syndicate of people smugglers offering travel documents to potential customers for up to $18,000 for entry into Australia or New Zealand by plane.
Mr Woodhouse said an estimated two or three people arrive by plane each month seeking asylum in New Zealand and there has been no increase in recent times.
Mr Woodhouse said the source of the ABC report lacks credibility.
He said immigration officials work hard to cut off the supply lines for people smugglers.
