Send The Criminals Home Says Peters
New Zealand First has called for the immediate deportation of immigrants convicted of serious crimes – irrespective of
where they come from.
This follows the conviction of a Chinese-born Auckland couple at the centre of a black market paua-smuggling racket.
They are believed to be part of an international crime syndicate.
The pair were among five people - all beneficiaries - jailed yesterday for their part in a smuggling chain moving paua
and rock lobster to Hong Kong and southern China.
According to reports the couple, using false names, posted processed paua worth up to $1.1 million through the mail
after curing the shellfish to remove its smell.
Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters said that it was outrageous that people were involved in major crime while being paid
welfare benefits by New Zealand taxpayers.
He said they should be immediately deported instead of enjoying a holiday in a New Zealand jail at even more expense to
the long suffering public.
“These people, as well as being gulty of welfare fraud, which for some strange reason they were not charged with, were
pillaging our birthright and they should suffer the consequences. It is obvious that they could only operate because of
their overseas criminal connections and the network they built up within New Zealand.”
Mr Peters said that the problems started with stupid immigration policies that allowed criminals into New Zealand in the
first place.