Stories by Gill Bonnett
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Reopening of parent and skilled migrant visas met with criticism
Major immigration changes have received mixed reactions, with some pointing to a 'two-tier system' favouring the interests of business at the expense of workers' rights.
Immigration NZ $284m loss written off, visa levies hiked 279%
Another funding review is expected to look at how to overcome a further predicted deficit of $135m by the end of 2024.
Health ministers queried why nurses not on fast track residence list - document
Health Minister Andrew Little and Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall questioned why nurses could not be put on the fast track residence list, government papers show.
'My life is here': Parents on tenterhooks as govt reviews residence visas
Thousands of overseas-born parents and grandparents are waiting for news on if and when they can apply for residence.
Palmerston North woman extends welcome to new refugees
When Lorna Johnson was told the refugee sponsorship programme was being extended, she knew she wanted to get involved.
Over 30,000 people waiting for tourist visas
Thousands of travellers are waiting for a visa, as figures show only one in five requests were approved in the month after the border reopened.
Would-be citizens face widely variable wait times for processing
Thousands of New Zealand residents are waiting up to 18 months to get citizenship, while others take a quarter of that time.
One year on: Questions remain on anniversary of LynnMall attack
A year ago today seven shoppers were injured in a stabbing frenzy at LynnMall's supermarket. Gill Bonnett looks back at what drove Ahamed Samsudeen to carry out Aotearoa's second terrorist attack in…
'Incident management' team set up to pick up pace of visa processing
The immigration minister says visa processing is going very well and these teams periodically are brought in to increase performance but the National Party says it suggests something is wrong.
Lynnmall attack: A year on, ministers eye law change on deportation
The government is considering how it can change the law to deport people who pose a threat to national security.
No investigations into vape sales to underagers in Auckland - yet
Since the Vaping Regulatory Authority was set up in November 2020 it has issued only 11 infringement notices nationwide, carrying a fine of $500 each.
'Almost like a dagger to your heart': Plans to reunite split families shelved
Cabinet approved the plans a year ago but then decided against the move, briefing papers show.
'Painful separation': Couple's wait goes on as INZ assurance over visas fizzles
Families desperate to see their relatives say the border reopening has not brought an end to their wait.
21 work visas granted as employers struggle to get staff
Only 21 visas have been issued since accredited employer work applications opened more than five weeks ago and only two out of five businesses have reached the stage where a migrant can apply.
How Immigration helped Health Ministry to prioritise action on Covid rule-breakers
Health staff used a system designed for prioritising deportations when they were deciding whom to take action against for breaking Covid-19 rules.
DHBs not in 'targeted consultation' over Green List nursing question
The government never directly consulted with district health boards over whether it should offer international nurses the same "straight to residence" that migrant doctors will get.
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.