He was responding to a question at the National Party conference in Christchurch from a delegate concerned at domestic violence cases within arranged marriages going through the Manukau District Court. "Culturally arranged marriages are a normal part of many of the cultures that are deeply embedded in New Zealand culture," Woodhouse said. "When we are talking about family violence, I am not sure that we as a country can hold our hands up and say 'we are good enough to judge those cultures'," Woodhouse said. Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said New Zealand was not in a position to judge the 400 visas issued each year for women to enter the country for an arranged marriage. They are usually temporary visas for a year, when they can then apply for permanent residency.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 02, 2016 17:02 UTC