Immigration

The button that removed the authorisation did not work, so former advisors and lawyers could still see details associated with old cases.

Industry leaders say the pathway helped local businesses to attract "skilled, experienced operators in a highly competitive international market".

Hundreds of millionaires were given NZ residence each year before the scheme was overhauled 18 months ago. Since then, the number has dropped to 20.

They have welcomed changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme but warn that more work still needs to be done.

While she is turning the tap down for now, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the reverse might be the case next year. Audio

Agents say fraud and tougher rules are driving high refusal rates for foreign students applying from India.

Erica Stanford is looking at reforms to family visas this term, bringing hope of a five-year visitor visa for parents and grandparents .

The man has also been accused of helping others make fraudulent asylum claims and offering to sponsor a woman's visa through a fake marriage.

The reports of fake visas circulating include one that appears to show the signature of US celebrity Oprah Winfrey.

The Public Sector Union is "alarmed" by a proposal to axe jobs at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.

The government is looking at how it can cut down on the number of asylum-seekers - saying too many of them are making false claims.

Border check changes are helping fines defaulters who owe less than $5000 to avoid being caught on their return to New Zealand.

New Zealand passport holders only need to wait five years to apply for permanent residency in the Cook Islands under the current rules.