Matua Kahurangi: If you come here and break our laws, you shouldn’t expect to stay

I know a lot of people reading this probably think I’m being harsh whenever I talk about immigration and crime. Some might even accuse me of picking on certain communities. That’s not what this is about. It’s about a clear pattern that’s emerging - one where people who have come to New Zealand for opportunity end up abusing it.

The latest example is Wellington chef Aakash Aakash, who has just been sentenced to 27 months in prison for a violent sexual assault and indecent acts committed in public. This wasn’t a minor offence. It was cruel, degrading, and deeply traumatic for the victim. Somehow, we as taxpayers are expected to pay for his stay behind bars - which I am sure would be a lot nicer than his home country.

The surge of Indian men in NZ sexual violence cases and what it reveals
Matua Kahurangi  9 Jul

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New Zealand is prosecuting more sexual violence cases, and a growing number involve Indian men as the accused. Survivors say the system still fails them. Few are willing to talk about the pattern.
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The article didn’t say whether Aakash is a citizen or a recent migrant, but that’s part of the problem, we’re never told. Time and time again, serious offenders are reported on, and their immigration status is quietly left out. Why? Because officials and journalists alike know how badly it reflects on the current immigration and vetting system.

If someone comes to this country and commits serious sexual or violent crimes, there should be no debate, deport them immediately after sentencing. It’s not heartless; it’s common sense. We cannot afford to be a dumping ground for people who contribute nothing but pain and cost.

It’s not just about deportation. We need to stop pretending that every new arrival is automatically an “asset” to New Zealand. I said it last week and I’ll say it again: we need more doctors and nurses, not more Uber drivers and chefs. That statement may have upset some people, but it wasn’t said to insult anyone - it was said because it’s true. Our immigration priorities are completely out of balance. Our infrastructure cannot handle more Uber drivers and their six children.

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When people are doing everything right, working hard, paying taxes, and integrating properly, they’re welcome here. When people come here, offend, and leave others traumatised, it’s time to start asking serious questions about who we’re letting in and why.

New Zealanders are tired of footing the bill - whether it’s for emergency housing, welfare fraud, or now prison costs for violent offenders who may not even belong here. There’s nothing racist about expecting basic accountability. It’s about protecting the country we live in and ensuring that immigration actually benefits New Zealand, rather than draining it.

If someone abuses our trust, breaks our laws, and destroys lives, they shouldn’t expect to stay. It’s that simple.

Matua Kahurangi is just a bloke sharing thoughts on New Zealand and the world beyond. No fluff, just honest takes. He blogs on https://matuakahurangi.com/ where this article was sourced.