Climate change refugee denied bail

The family went through New Zealand's courts in a bid to avoid returning to Kiribati, which they say is being severely affected by climate change. Photo / iStock

A Kiribati man who claimed refugee status because climate change is flooding his homeland has been denied bail.

Ioane Teitota, a father of three who came to NZ in 2007, was committed in custody until a further court hearing at the Waitakere District Court on Monday.

Judge Belinda Pidwell told Teitiota' lawyer Dr Michael Kidd that bail was not available under the Immigration Act and he should have requested release on conditions. She gave him until midday tomorrow Friday to file an application following the correct procedure, which the court will consider on Monday.