Minister Responsible For Shocking Attempt To Deport Girl

Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel must take responsibility for the eviction of a 10-year-old girl from her home for deportation, National MPs said today. "I expect Lianne Dalziel will again blame offiicials for this shocking attempted deportation, only nine months after the wrongful deportation of the Milla family to the Phillipines," Marie Hasler said.

"It is clear officials did not research Cristine's circumstances properly. The Minister must take responsibility for that. How immigration officials can try to deport a child without even checking who would look after her in Samoa is just beyond me," Ms Hasler said.

"The Minister assured New Zealand after the deportation of the Milla family that the Immigration Service would cease heartless dawn raids. This raid was mid-morning but it was still unjustified.

Mr Simcock said jailing Cristine and her cousin was deplorable.

"That immigration officials took a screaming 10-year-old Hamilton girl from her adoptive parents without notice is terrible. I am sure the Children's Commissioner will have an interest in this, an experience which is likely to affect Cristine for some time.

"Failing to check the facts is unacceptable at any time but when it involves a child like this it is even worse. The Service should be particularly careful and sensitive when dealing with children who they have separated from their parents or guardians.

"The Minister and the Service must now apologise to the family and ensure them of any assistance they need to overcome this horrible experience," Mr Simcock said.

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