Trio refused entry in Queenstown

The three were stopped at Queenstown Airport on Monday. Photo / NZME

Three Taiwanese nationals were in custody in Queenstown last night after being refused entry into New Zealand.

A 42-year-old male and two females, aged 26 and 37, were stopped at Queenstown Airport on Monday.

Immigration New Zealand border national manager Senta Jehle said the three passengers had been booked on flights home, leaving today and tomorrow.

Immigration New Zealand made the decision because all three declared holidays as their purpose of visit when they were actually planning to work, she said. They were held in police custody while arrangements were made for them to fly home.