Aussie 'serious offender' found in Hawke's Bay

A peak inside a courtyard at Hawke's Bay Regional Prison, where an Australian man with a 'serious criminal record' was held. Photo / Duncan Browne

An Australian man with a "serious criminal record" who gave false information to get into New Zealand has been arrested in an early morning raid.

The man, in his 50s, was removed by police and immigration officers from the Dannevirke house early on Monday morning and was being held in custody in Napier pending deportation to Sydney next Tuesday, Senior Sergeant Sue Leach said.

The man was believed to have an extensive criminal history, including violent and sexual crimes, which he failed to disclose on entering the country to stay with his partner, a New Zealander living in the town.

Immigration New Zealand Fraud and Compliance manager Peter Elms confirmed the man had "a serious criminal record" and had entered the country two weeks ago.

"Immigration New Zealand later became aware of the man's history and immediately took steps to locate him with the assistance of the New Zealand Police," Mr Elms said.

"The man has since been detained under the Immigration Act and is in immigration detention in Hawke's Bay Regional Prison pending his deportation back to Australia."

Ms Leach said the man was taken to Napier Police station via a transfer at Waipukurau with Napier Police. Two immigration officers drove down for the 7am arrest.

The man will be escorted back to Australia by a Napier police officer.

Napier Police Senior Sergeant Geoff Strother said the man appeared in Napier court on Tuesday where he was served with a deportation notice, and would remain in custody there before being deported.

"His declaration wasn't correct and he was deemed an undesirable person so he shouldn't have gotten in to the country."