Photo: NZ HeraldA convicted immigration scammer is back selling fake citizenship certificates to overstayers desperate to stay in New Zealand. But a New Zealand Herald investigation has found 84-year-old Akarana-Rewi has restarted selling Aotearoa citizenship certificates, which promise holders the right to remain in the country indefinitely, and also be absolved from "Pakeha law", including paying taxes. He conducts "citizenship ceremonies" at his Otara home for family and friends, who pay between $100 and $300 for the certificates. "These so-called citizenship certificates are completely worthless," said Immigration New Zealand (INZ) assistant general manager Peter Devoy. Akarana-Rewi insists the citizenship certificates he issues are legal under Maori law, and that Maori had retained their sovereignty under the 1835 Declaration of Independence.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 25, 2018 19:41 UTC