Samoan man wins deportation appeal after child sex abuse conviction

A Samoan man convicted of child sex abuse has avoided deportation from New Zealand after a tribunal ruled removal would be unjustly harsh and likely end his marriage. The man, in his mid-20s, was sentenced to home detention in 2023 for offending against a child under 12. The Immigration and Protection Tribunal cited his decade-long residence, strong ties to New Zealand, and the impact on his marriage to a New Zealand citizen as exceptional humanitarian circumstances. It accepted the relationship was genuine and that his wife would face significant hardship relocating to Samoa. The tribunal noted his low risk of reoffending, supported by rehabilitation and employer testimony, and suspended deportation for three years. He must not commit further qualifying sexual offences during that period.