Eavama Immigration

14/10/2026

I am heartbroken and frustrated by how often I see Pasifika people being misled and exploited when it comes to immigration matters, and too often, by the very people we trust. No - Pasifika aren’t the only ones being targeted, but this message is specifically for them because of the devastation I see it causing in our Pasifika communities.

Every single week, I meet an individual or a family who paid someone to help with their visa, only for that person to run off with their money or completely muck up their immigration status. Families are pushed into hardship, their children’s futures are put on hold, and the stress weighs heavily on everyone. By the time they come to me, the situation has often dragged on for years and become much harder to fix.

Recently, I met a man in his 50s who has lived here for 20 years and is married to a New Zealand citizen. The person “helping” him kept applying for the wrong visas, and at times didn’t lodge anything at all, all so they could keep charging him more. 20 years of his life, and only received his residency this year.

I can’t stress this enough: if you need immigration guidance, go to the right people. Yes, there is a fee to see a licensed immigration adviser or lawyer, but it is an investment in certainty about your future.

The reality is that unlicensed agents don’t know immigration policies. They may have helped a family member get a visa, but your situation is not the same as theirs. One wrong application can cost you years and thousands of dollars down the drain.

So here’s my simple plea to my fellow Pasifika 🙏 use a licensed immigration adviser, a lawyer, or someone exempt. You should be given written records such as advice letters, agreements and tax invoices. If you have paid an “immigration agent” a large amount of money and received no written record of that transaction, that is a huge red flag.

Before you get to that point, make sure you check the person’s credentials by searching the following registers:

Licensed immigration advisers: https://app.mbieregisters.govt.nz/iaa/ui/start/searchForAnOccupationalRegistration

Lawyers: https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-public/find-a-lawyer/

Our families deserve better. Please protect your future and get the right advice 🙏

10/10/2026

My third immigration roadshow for the year, this time in the lovely Palmerston North! ❤️

It’s a privilege to be invited here to support the Pasifika community, particularly those needing one-on-one immigration advice and assistance.

My goal is to break down the barriers and fear of seeking immigration assistance by making professional immigration advice more accessible to communities that need it.

If you’re joining us at the Fiji day celebrations, don’t be shy to come around and ask questions or just say hi!

Happy Fiji Day! 🇫🇯🩵

15/09/2026

As a Tongan professional who has worked in the immigration industry for almost 12 years, there are two important things I want to say following the release of the updated overstayer figures today.

1) I feel for anyone who has been made to feel ashamed because of their immigration status.

We may not fully understand what many families have faced or how they reached this position. The reality is that these situations are not always straightforward. Some people have been exploited, misled or poorly advised, while others have faced difficult family or medical circumstances or have simply been too afraid to seek help.

2) You do not need to wait for a political party to promise a future change that may or may not happen.

The reality is that immigration options already exist. You simply need to seek professional guidance to understand whether any of these options may be available in your circumstances.

Depending on your situation, these options may include:

1️⃣ Requesting a visa under section 61 of the Immigration Act
2️⃣ Appealing to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, if you still have appeal rights
3️⃣ Asking the Minister of Immigration to intervene in your case

Every case is different and must be assessed individually. Your full immigration history, the reason your visa expired, your family circumstances and the evidence available, among other factors, will all need to be carefully considered.

My message to our community is simple: do everything you can to ensure your visa does not expire. However, if your visa has already expired, please do not wait. Until any proposed change to the immigration law actually comes into effect, the current policy continues to apply and you may remain liable for deportation.

Seek professional advice from an immigration lawyer or licensed immigration adviser so that you can better understand the options available to you.

09/09/2026

🎓 Did you know your New Zealand bachelor’s degree could give you 5 of the 6 points required for residence?

A New Zealand bachelor’s degree is now worth 5 points under the Skilled Migrant Category. You will only need 1 more point, which can be gained through 1 year of skilled work experience in New Zealand.

An overseas bachelor’s degree is now worth 4 points, meaning you will need 1.5 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand to reach the required 6 points.

Under the Skilled Migrant Category, you can claim points from only one skill category:
✅ A recognised qualification
✅ Eligible occupational registration
✅ Your income

You can then use skilled work experience gained in New Zealand to make up the remaining points.

You must also have an acceptable skilled job or job offer in New Zealand.

These changes make studying in New Zealand a stronger pathway to residence, which is great news for international students!

03/09/2026

🇹🇴 New Tonga Visa Application Centre from 14 September 2026

📍General Post Office, Ground Floor, Salote and Taufa‘ahau Road, Nuku’alofa.

Service fees:
* Biometrics: TOP 86
* Online application assistance: TOP 21 for 30 minutes
* Extra assistance: TOP 10 per 15 minutes
* Online payment assistance: TOP 5
* Walk-in fee: TOP 148 extra

No cash - payments can only be made by credit card, debit card or bank cheque.

Great news for people applying for visas from Tonga! 🇹🇴
📅 On Monday 14 September, a Visa Application Centre (VAC) will be opening in Tonga.
📝 The VAC will provide a service for people to submit visa applications from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 4 pm.
🛑 Find out more on our website: www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-visa-application-centre-opening-in-tonga/

20/08/2026

🇹🇴 Happy Tongan Language Week! 🇹🇴

I thought this would be a good time to share the story of four of my Tongan clients.

After their employment was temporarily affected, Immigration New Zealand raised concerns about whether their visas should be approved.

We had only one week to prepare and submit all four responses. This involved coordinating a significant number of documents from Tonga and across New Zealand, including statutory declarations from all four workers.

I am proud to say that all four workers were granted two-year visas, allowing them to continue working in New Zealand and supporting their families.

When I have these conversations with my clients, I do not give them false hope. It is important that visa holders clearly understand their situation, the possible options available to address it, and the risks involved.

Ultimately, the decision lies with the Immigration Officer but my job is to present strong evidence, explain my clients’ circumstances properly, and advocate for the best possible outcome.

Four approvals. Four workers. Four families able to move forward 🇹🇴

Note: AI generated image for illustrative purposes only.

19/08/2026

📢 RECENT IMMIGRATION UPDATES

Immigration New Zealand has announced important changes affecting skilled migrants, resident visa applicants and parents seeking residence.

1️⃣ HEALTH REQUIREMENT CHANGES
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C have been removed from the list of high-cost health conditions for resident visa applications submitted on or after 3 August 2026. Previously these conditions could result in an automatic assessment of not meeting the acceptable standard of health; applicants will now be assessed individually on their medical circumstances. INZ has also clarified wording relating to major psychiatric illness and addiction requiring significant support, severe autoimmune diseases, and renal and hepatic disorders. Applicants must still meet the acceptable standard of health.

2️⃣ SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY
Applicants under the new Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician pathways must provide evidence of relevant work experience. This may include job descriptions, employment agreements, tax records and other supporting employment evidence. If tax records are unavailable for overseas work experience, a certificate of service from the employer may be provided.

3️⃣ PARENT RESIDENT VISA
Expressions of Interest will be selected under a new hybrid system: approximately 90% in the order they were submitted and approximately 10% through a ballot. The first selection under the new system is scheduled for 10 November 2026. The annual cap of 2,500 Parent Resident Visas remains unchanged.

11/08/2026

My heart is full after spending two incredible days in Gisborne! 🧡

I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank Romano Tikotikoca, President of the Tairāwhiti Fijian Community, who reached out to me because of his genuine desire to support Gisborne’s migrant and Pasifika communities.

Thank you to the Tairāwhiti Fijian Community for sponsoring my visit, alongside PICT Gisborne and the Pasifika Ministers’ Leaders. I am also grateful to the many hands that contributed and worked quietly behind the scenes to make this possible.

I witnessed firsthand the incredible work these leaders are doing, and I was deeply moved by their service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to Gisborne’s small but mighty Pacific community.

I met so many beautiful people who were simply grateful for the opportunity to sit with someone face-to-face and speak openly about their immigration situation. Accessing immigration advice can be costly, and for some families, even paying for an initial consultation with an immigration adviser or lawyer can be a barrier.

One of my many highlights was meeting a couple who had been struggling for some time. They were so touched by the time and advice I gave them that they later returned with two massive boxes of oranges as a gift!

I left Gisborne with far more than I arrived with - a full heart, deep gratitude and an even greater determination to keep making immigration advice more accessible to the communities that need it most.

06/08/2026

One of my favourite parts of my job is having the privilege of listening to people’s stories.

During my time in Gisborne, I met community leaders involved in supporting RSE workers, as well as forestry workers. I had the opportunity to hear about their experiences and learn more about the important work being undertaken throughout the region.

I understand how physically demanding forestry and seasonal work can be, as well as the sacrifices workers make by leaving their families and homes behind.

This post is simply to acknowledge and highlight their valuable contribution to New Zealand’s economy and the support they provide to their families back home. It is a true reflection of the dedication and hard work that often take place behind the scenes.

I do not own this video which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UmP4xiPMRE

11/05/2026

Northland is home to a large migrant community, including many Pacific families and especially a strong Fijian community working in corrections, forestry and trades. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to support families with a wide range of immigration matters including children's visa requirements, understanding visa obligations, knowing what to do when things go wrong and helping people better understand their pathways to residence 🇳🇿

One of the biggest challenges is trying to break the fear and mistrust within our Pacific communities around seeking immigration help 🙏🏽❤️ Too many people have either had bad experiences themselves or heard stories that make the immigration process feel intimidating or confusing. My goal is to create a space where people feel comfortable asking questions, receiving honest advice and properly understanding their options without fear or judgment 🫶🏽

If you can do it yourself, I will always encourage you to save your money and do so if you feel confident in submitting your own visa application. Has anyone ever heard of an adviser or lawyer actually telling you to save your money and do your own application? 😅 But if you are unsure or overwhelmed, that’s where I come in to support and guide you through the process.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to listen and those who trusted me enough to share your stories and discuss your situation. A very special thank you to Lata and Ame from the Fale Pasifika, for all the work that went into organising and coordinating the week 🌺

See you again soon Northland!

Vinaka sara vakalevu 🇫🇯❤️