A Levin poultry company has been fined $7500 for employing five Samoan nationals in New Zealand without a visa.
Henry's Poultry Ltd was also pinged for hiring another person who was working on a visitor's visa. The company was convicted of six offences under the Immigration act 2009.
On December 9, the company was sentenced and ordered to pay a $7500 fine and court costs of $780. The people found to be working unlawfully have either been deported, left New Zealand voluntarily or regularised their status.
Immigration New Zealand general manager Peter Devoy said different industry sectors were constantly monitored for unlawful employment practices. "This should serve as a warning to other businesses who may feel tempted to break the law," he said.
"It is unacceptable for employers to employ foreign nationals who are unlawfully in New Zealand or do not have a visa to work in here. There are no excuses."