Immigration stands by its procedures in birth case

Immigration authorities insist they followed correct procedure when they issued work documents for a Samoan woman who gave birth on a New Zealand-bound flight, then abandoned the infant in a rubbish bin.

"Our inquiries show our procedures were followed to the letter," Immigration NZ acting head Lesley Haines said yesterday.

An investigation is being conducted into the finer points of the woman's visa processing, examining what was declared on her application form and whether staff in Apia noticed she was pregnant.

The 30-year-old and the child are in Auckland's Middlemore Hospital, and doing well according to hospital sources. It is not known how long they will remain at Middlemore.

Police said yesterday the woman was likely to face charges.

Immigration NZ confirmed the woman was travelling to New Zealand on a "recognised seasonal employer" visa - a category allowing foreign nationals to fill seasonal job vacancies New Zealanders do not want.

A spokesman yesterday said that the department would not usually grant such a visa if it knew the applicant was pregnant.

Pacific Blue said its aircrew did not know there was a pregnant woman on board Thursday's flight DJ94 from Apia.

The airline's policy prevents women more than 36 weeks pregnant from flying, unless they can provide a medical certificate.

Staff were trained to recognise, and ask the condition of, any female passenger who appeared pregnant. They would then make inquiries as to just how pregnant.

The airline was confident its ground crew in Apia would have been aware of the policy, spokesman Phil Boyen said.

He would not say whether the baby was found on the plane or inside the airport terminal, as police were investigating the case.

The airline would assist with flights for any friends or relatives needing to come from Samoa to New Zealand.

A Samoan community leader yesterday spoke out against what he believes is a concerted effort by police to keep the woman isolated.

The Rev Asora Amosa, of the Avondale Union Parish, said he wanted to see the woman to offer pastoral care, but when he tried to contact police "I didn't even get past the first gate. I have been blocked in every way."

He said it was likely the woman had friends or relatives in Auckland, and would be anxious without community support.

"She is not even in a position to think, or have counsel, if she is going to be charged."