Entry to NZ may be in jeopardy

Tongan nationals who are convicted because of their involvement in the riots could be jeopardising their entitlement to a New Zealand visa, says the Minister of Immigration.

The Tongan Advisory Council this week called for the Government to blacklist those involved in the riots from entering New Zealand.

A council spokesman said all those involved in perpetrating, planning or inciting the events should be blacklisted.

The burden on New Zealand Tongan families would be increased because of the trouble, he said.

A spokesman for David Cunliffe's office said the conviction of Tongan nationals involved in the riots could affect their entitlement to a visa to enter New Zealand.

- NZPA