'Fake' passport seller to stand trial

Two people charged with the alleged sale of fake passports to Pacific Island overstayers were committed for trial today.

Gerard Otimi appeared in Manukau District Court facing 36 counts of altering a document with intent to deceive, and one of giving immigration advice without a licence.

A crowd of supporters joined Otimi in court and followed him outside, where he told NZPA that all but two charges against him had been dropped.

That information was later found to be incorrect.

Also appearing today was Afakasi Slade, who faces two charges of altering documents.

The charges related to the alleged alteration of Samoan and Tongan passports following the sale of visas issued in the name of a Maori hapu.

Otimi, 64, and Slade will on February 4 reappear in Manukau District Court for a callover.

A third person charged in connection with the alleged sale of fake passports also appeared - Eseta Tuiavii faces three charges of altering documents.

She will be back in court on November 11 for a application for oral evidence hearing.

- NZPA