Some decisions are published here by the judiciary from courts and tribunals. Not all decisions are published, and not all decisions can be found through our finder.

Find out more about using the decision finder. 

View the full list of where to find decisions for each court or tribunal.

Decisions for the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court can be found in the Judicial Decisions Online.

There are also tools to help you find publications or forms, as explained on the Document finders page.

Search results

798 items matching your search terms

  1. [2025] NZIACDT 35 – TG v Ma (11 July 2025) [PDF, 267 KB]

    Sanctions / dishonesty, provision of false information and documents, failure to have services agreement and undisclosed conflict of interest / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s19, s50, s51 / wrongdoing amongst most serious, comprising 26 heads of complaint, particularly given deceitful misleading of INZ / aggravated by complete absence of acknowledgement of serious wrongdoing and extensive disciplinary history involving more than five clients / numerous fundamental breaches of the Code / adviser’s medical condition lacks material connection to wrongdoing and appropriate sanctions / cancellation sanction of last resort / Tribunal has no confidence that training, mentoring or further suspension will protect public / cancellation reasonable and proportionate / adviser censured / licence cancelled / adviser prevented from any form of licensing for two years / ordered to pay $10,000 financial penalty / ordered to pay refund and compensation totalling $58,500 
  2. [2025] NZIACDT 34 - KU v Wang (24 June 2025) [PDF, 125 KB]

    Professional responsibilities and professional practice / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s442 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl14, cl18a, cl18b, cl26c / no evidence of failing to obtain and carry out complainant’s instructions or ‘rubber stamping’ / delegation of work permissible where other licensed adviser identified in written services agreement / unlicensed employee able to perform clerical work / however, adviser, as director of company, entered into services agreement with consultancy firm, rather than client / tripartite contractual relationship resulted in lack of services agreement between adviser and client / failed to provide evidence of being licensed / failed to explain all significant matters in agreement / failed to confirm in writing all material discussions / global fixed fee not unfair or unreasonable / alternative negligence heads dismissed / complaint partially upheld / sanctions to follow
  3. [2025] NZIACDT 31 – LY x Jiang (16 June 2025) [PDF, 240 KB]

    Professional responsibilities and professional practice / rubber stamping / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s442 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl26ai, cl26aiii, cl26b, cl26d / adviser failed to maintain direct communications with client, could not communicate through unlicensed agent / breach of fundamental obligation to personally contract with and engage with visa applicant / adviser contributed to creating an environment for fraud to be perpetrated / failed to provide evidence of licence / failed to provide client opportunity to review INZ application / failed to personally confirm application lodged and provide timely updates / failed to retain visa application and records of communications / availability of visa application from INZ website immaterial to obligation to maintain records / however, no evidential foundation to indicate conflict of interest / alternative negligence heads dismissed / complaint partially upheld / sanctions to follow
  4. [2025] NZIACDT 32 - CM v Jiang (16 June 2025) [PDF, 239 KB]

    Professional responsibilities and professional practice / rubber stamping / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, section 44(2) / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl26ai, cl26aiii, cl26b, cl26d / adviser failed to maintain direct communications with client, could not communicate through unlicensed agent / breach of fundamental obligation to personally contract with and engage with visa applicant / adviser contributed to creating an environment for fraud to be perpetrated / failed to provide evidence of licence / failed to provide client opportunity to review INZ application / failed to personally confirm application lodged and provide timely updates / failed to retain visa application and records of communications / availability of visa application from INZ website immaterial to obligation to maintain records / however, no evidential foundation to indicate conflict of interest / alternative negligence heads dismissed / complaint partially upheld / sanctions to follow
  5. [2025] NZIACDT 33 - KM v Jiang (16 June 2025) [PDF, 242 KB]

    Professional responsibilities and professional practice / rubber stamping / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s442 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl26ai, cl26aiii, cl26b, cl26d / adviser failed to maintain direct communications with client, could not communicate through unlicensed agent / breach of fundamental obligation to personally contract with and engage with visa applicant / adviser contributed to creating an environment for fraud to be perpetrated / failed to provide evidence of licence / failed to provide client opportunity to review INZ application / failed to personally confirm application lodged and provide timely updates / failed to retain visa application and records of communications / availability of visa application from INZ website immaterial to obligation to maintain records / however, no evidential foundation to indicate conflict of interest / alternative negligence heads dismissed / complaint partially upheld / sanctions to follow
  6. ZH v Ma [2025] NZIACDT 30 (6 June 2025) [PDF, 311 KB]

    Professional responsibilities and professional practice / rubber stamping / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s442 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl5, cl7, cl14, cl18a, cl26aiii, cl26b, cl26d / adviser failed to maintain direct communications with client, could not communicate through unlicensed agent / did not advise complainant that sponsor employer was husband’s company, continued to lodge visa application notwithstanding conflict / deliberately and dishonestly failed to declare to INZ of her assistance on visa application form / dishonestly presented Authority with services agreement known to be false, containing fake signature from complainant / adviser’s explanation she was unaware of conflict with sponsor employer rejected / employment agreement not genuine as work not bona fide, provision to INZ dishonest / alternative negligence heads dismissed / complaint partially upheld / sanctions to follow
  7. ZA v KY [2025] NZIACDT 29 (3 June 2025) [PDF, 103 KB]

    Professional responsibilities and professional practice / adviser alleged to have been negligent or alternatively to have breached Code / complaint in relation to reasonableness of consultation fee for student placement application / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s7, s442, s50A / Code of Conduct 2014 / consultation for student placement application did not constitute immigration advice / while the adviser’s services agreement contemplated future student visa application, no such application was made / complainant terminated adviser’s services upon receiving offer of study / no visa advice provided / no visa application drafted or submitted / scope of work not within immigration advice disciplinary jurisdiction / complaint dismissed
  8. TG v Ma [2025] NZIACDT 27 (27 May 2025) [PDF, 332 KB]

    Professional responsibilities and professional practice / adviser deliberately and dishonestly failed to disclose role in two visa applications, but sought to ensure communications were directed to her / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s442 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1 cl5, cl7, cl14, cl18a, cl20a, cl22, cl26c, cl26d / adviser sought to hide involvement in visa applications from INZ due to conflict of interest / deliberately and dishonestly provided false email address for applicants / untruthfully represented existence of two jobs with husband’s company which ultimately formed basis for grant of visa / absence of written services agreements / no provision of evidence of being licensed / failed to provide opportunity to review applications / failed to disclose conflict in writing / no record of written advice / no well-managed filing system / no provision of invoices / withheld services for failure to pay / excessive fees / complaint partially upheld / sanctions to follow
  9. [2025] NZIACDT 26 - KA v Wen (26 April 2025) [PDF, 218 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser committed 12 breaches of 11 professional obligations / client the victim of immigration fraud / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl17a, cl17b, cl17c, cl18a, cl18b, cl26aiii, cl26d, cla2b / HELD / Tribunal denounces failure to directly engage with client (‘rubber stamping’), alongside failure to have written service agreement signed by client / three complaints upheld against adviser, treated as third appearance / totality of sanctions considered / Tribunal acknowledges adviser was inexperienced, only holding provisional licence at time of breaches / upper end of moderate gravity of wrongdoing / adviser offered no apology, though acknowledges significance of wrongdoing and has implemented practices to prevent repeat and regularly undertakes professional development / further training unnecessary / adviser censured / compensation not sought / adviser ordered to pay $4,000 financial penalty
  10. [2025] NZIACDT 24 - INZ v Ma (31 March 2025) [PDF, 131 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser failed to directly engage with client (‘rubber stamping’) or disclose conflict of interest in writing / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s442 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl5, cl7, cl14, cl18a, cl26aiii, cl26b, cl26d, cl31a / eight breaches of 10 obligations under Code / direct engagement a fundamental obligation of advisers, failure enabled immigration fraud to occur / failure to use services agreement major departure from expect standards / inadequate written disclosure of conflict of interest serious breach / gravity of wrongdoing at high end of moderate / third appearance before Tribunal / adviser expressed sorry for misconduct but no apology offered / pattern of breaching fundamental professional obligations / adviser censured / need to undertake training reiterated and ordered further / cancellation not warranted in circumstances / suspension ordered pending retraining / ordered to pay $7,000 financial penalty / compensation not sought
  11. [2025] NZIACDT 23 – JY v Wen (25 March 2025) [PDF, 216 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser breached nine professional obligations / client wound up as a victim of immigration fraud  / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl14, cl17a, cl17c cl18a, cl18b, cl20a, cl22 and cl26b / HELD / Tribunal denounces failure to have written agreement before undertaking work, along with excessive fee and numerous other breaches of Code / three complaints upheld against adviser, treated as first appearance / Tribunal accepts adviser was inexperienced, only holding provisional licence at time of breaches / moderate gravity of wrongdoing / adviser offered no apology, though acknowledges significance of wrongdoing and has taken comprehensive steps to prevent repeat / adviser has implemented practices to prevent repeat and regularly undertakes professional development / further training unnecessary / adviser censured / compensation not sought / adviser ordered to pay $3,000 financial penalty
  12. [2025] NZIACDT 22 – ZZ v Wen (25 March 2025) [PDF, 214 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser breached six professional obligations / had no contact with complainant / permitted unlicensed agent to perform work required to be undertaken by the licensed adviser / client wound up as a victim of immigration fraud / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl18b, cl26b / HELD / Tribunal denounces failure to directly engage with client, alongside failure to have written service agreement / three complaints upheld against adviser, treated as second appearance / Tribunal accepts adviser was inexperienced, only holding provisional licence at time of breaches / gravity of wrongdoing at high end of moderate / adviser offered no apology, though acknowledges significance of wrongdoing and has taken comprehensive steps to prevent repeat / adviser has implemented practices to prevent repeat and regularly undertakes professional development / further training unnecessary / adviser censured / compensation not soug…
  13. [2025] NZIACDT 21 – KA v Wen (5 March 2025) [PDF, 197 KB]

    Professional practice / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s442 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl17a, cl17b, cl17c, cl18a, cl18b, cl26aiii, cl26b, cl26d / HELD / adviser permitted unlicensed agent to perform work required to be undertaken by licensed adviser (‘rubber stamping’) / breaches of cl1, cl2e / failed to provide evidence of being licensed / breach of cl14 / failed to provide professional standards and complaints procedure / breaches of cl17a, cl17b, cl17c / failed to provide copy of visa application prior to lodgement / breach of cl1 / failed to provide service agreement, major departure from expected standard: Tian v TA [2024] NZDC 2759 / breach of cl18a / failure to maintain and provide complete file / breach of cl26aiii / filing system not well-managed / breach of cl26d / failed to advise of lodgement of application / breach of cl26b / no evidence of dishonesty / alternative charges of negligence dismissed / complaint partially upheld / sanctions to follow
  14. [2025] NZIACDT 20 – EI v Liu (3 March 2025) [PDF, 119 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser failed to directly communicate or engage with client (‘rubber stamping’), breaching seven professional obligations / client wound up as a victim of immigration fraud / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl22, cl26aiii, cl26b / eight identical complaints against adviser / direct engagement a fundamental obligation of advisers, failure enabled immigration fraud to occur / serious consequences for client / gravity of wrongdoing at high end of moderate / limited remorse and contrition / no apology offered / lack of direct engagement warrants degree of responsibility for complainant's financial losses / adviser censured / further training unnecessary as adviser has implemented practices to prevent repeat / ordered to pay $3,000 financial penalty / compensation of $1,700 and $800 refund to complainant as a modest contribution towards loss and wasted expense
  15. [2025] NZIACDT 19 – DH v Liu (28 February 2025) [PDF, 214 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser failed to directly communicate or engage with client, breaching seven professional obligations / client wound up as a victim of immigration fraud  / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl22, cl26aiii, cl26b/ HELD / eight identical complaints against adviser an aggravating factor / direct engagement a fundamental obligation of advisers, failure enabled immigration fraud to occur / serious consequences for client / failure to have written services agreement with client a major departure from expected standards / gravity of wrongdoing at high end of moderate / limited remorse / adviser censured and Tribunal denounces breaches of Code / further training unnecessary as adviser has implemented practices to prevent repeat / ordered to pay $4,000 financial penalty
  16. [2025] NZIACDT 18 – YI v Liu (27 February 2025) [PDF, 215 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser failed to directly communicate or engage with client, breaching seven professional obligations / client wound up as a victim of immigration fraud  / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl22, cl26aiii, cl26b / HELD / eight identical complaints against adviser / direct engagement a fundamental obligation of advisers, failure enabled immigration fraud to occur / serious consequences for client / failure to have written services agreement with client a major departure from expected standards / gravity of wrongdoing at high end of moderate / limited remorse / adviser censured and Tribunal denounces breaches of Code / further training unnecessary as adviser has implemented practices to prevent repeat / ordered to pay $4,000 financial penalty
  17. [2025] NZIACDT 17 – IX v Liu (26 February 2025) [PDF, 215 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser failed to directly communicate or engage with client (‘rubber stamping’), breaching six professional obligations / client wound up as a victim of immigration fraud / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl22, cl26b / eight identical complaints against adviser / direct engagement a fundamental obligation of advisers, failure enabled immigration fraud to occur / serious consequences for client / gravity of wrongdoing at high end of moderate / limited remorse / adviser censured / Tribunal denounces breaches of Code / further training unnecessary as adviser has implemented practices to prevent repeat / ordered to pay $4,000 financial penalty
  18. [2025] NZIACDT 16 – TX v Liu (26 February 2025) [PDF, 214 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser failed to directly communicate or engage with client, breaching six professional obligations / client wound up as a victim of immigration fraud  / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl22, cl26b/ HELD / eight identical complaints against adviser an aggravating factor / direct engagement a fundamental obligation of advisers, failure enabled immigration fraud to occur / serious consequences for client / failure to have written services agreement with client a major departure from expected standards / gravity of wrongdoing at high end of moderate / limited remorse / adviser censured and Tribunal denounces breaches of Code / further training unnecessary as adviser has implemented practices to prevent repeat / ordered to pay $4,000 financial penalty
  19. [2025] NZIACDT 15 – ZJ v Liu (26 February 2025) [PDF, 216 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser failed to directly communicate or engage with client, breaching six professional obligations / client wound up as a victim of immigration fraud  / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl22, cl26b/ HELD / eight identical complaints against adviser an aggravating factor / direct engagement a fundamental obligation of advisers, failure enabled immigration fraud to occur / serious consequences for client / failure to have written services agreement with client a major departure from expected standards / gravity of wrongdoing at high end of moderate / limited remorse / adviser censured and Tribunal denounces breaches of Code / further training unnecessary as adviser has implemented practices to prevent repeat / ordered to pay $4,000 financial penalty
  20. [2025] NZIACDT 14 - INZ v Ma (19 February 2025) [PDF, 248 KB]

    Professional responsibilities and professional practice / rubber stamping / adviser failed to directly engage with client or disclose conflict of interest in writing / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s442 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl5, cl7, cl14, cl18a, cl26aiii, cl26b, cl26d, cl31a / adviser doubted client personally signed documents, not professional or diligent to submit them to INZ without checking / failed to communicate directly with client, including providing a written services agreement, evidence of licence, visa application lodgement, or ongoing updates / rubber stamping / required to personally engage with client / inadequate written disclosure of conflict of interest about adviser’s husband offering employment / general broad disclosure insufficient, must specify nature of conflict / failed to maintain copies of communications with agent / complaint partially upheld
  21. [2025] NZIACDT 13 – HG v Liu (18 February 2025) [PDF, 108 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser failed to directly communicate or engage with client, breaching six professional obligations / client wound up as a victim of immigration fraud / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl 22, cl26b / HELD / eight identical complaints against adviser / second appearance before Tribunal / direct engagement a fundamental obligation of advisers, failure enabled immigration fraud to occur / serious consequences for client / failure to have written services agreement with client a major departure from expected standards / gravity of wrongdoing at high end of moderate / no real remorse / adviser censured and Tribunal denounces breaches of Code / further training unnecessary as adviser has implemented practices to prevent repeat / ordered to pay $5,000 financial penalty
  22. [2025] NZIACDT 12 - XI v Liu (18 February 2025) [PDF, 208 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser failed to directly communicate or engage with client, breaching seven professional obligations / client wound up as a victim of immigration fraud  / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl22, cl26aiii, cl26b / HELD / eight identical complaints against adviser / first appearance before Tribunal / direct engagement a fundamental obligation of advisers, failure enabled immigration fraud to occur / serious consequences for client / failure to have written services agreement with client a major departure from expected standards / gravity of wrongdoing at high end of moderate / no real remorse / adviser censured and Tribunal denounces breaches of Code / further training unnecessary as adviser has implemented practices to prevent repeat / ordered to pay $4,000 financial penalty
  23. [2025] NZIACDT 10 – INZ v Li (14 February 2025) [PDF, 203 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser failed to directly communicate or engage with client, breaching nine professional obligations / client wound up as a victim of immigration fraud  / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2a, cl2e, cl4a, cl8a, cl14, cl18b, cl26b, cl31a / HELD / two identical complaints against adviser / first appearance before Tribunal / serious consequences for client / wrongdoing at higher end of moderate in terms of gravity / adviser readily acknowledged wrongdoing and shows genuine remorse / adviser censured and Tribunal denounces lack of direct communication / further training unnecessary as adviser understands obligation to communicate directly with clients / ordered to pay $4,000 financial penalty  
  24. [2025] NZIACDT 11 - INZ v Li (14 February 2025) [PDF, 202 KB]

    Sanctions / adviser failed to directly communicate or engage with client, breaching nine professional obligations / client wound up as a victim of immigration fraud  / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s3, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2a, cl2e, cl4a, cl8a, cl14, cl18b, cl 26b, cl31a / HELD / two identical complaints against adviser / in essence, second appearance before Tribunal / serious consequences for client / wrongdoing at higher end of moderate in terms of gravity / adviser readily acknowledged wrongdoing and shows genuine remorse / adviser censured and Tribunal denounces lack of direct communication / further training unnecessary as adviser understands obligation to communicate directly with clients / ordered to pay $5,000 financial penalty
  25. [2025] NZIACDT 09 – ZZ v Wen (10 February 2025) [PDF, 247 KB]

    Professional practice / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s442 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl14, cl18a, cl18b, cl22 and cl26b / HELD / adviser permitted anonymous unlicensed agent to perform work required to be undertaken by licensed adviser (‘rubber stamping’) / breach of cl2e / provided written agreement to Authority / unaware that complainant had not personally signed supporting document / however, failed to provide opportunity to review application / partial breach of cl1 / late provision of evidence of licence insufficient / breach of cl14 / failed to provide written agreement / breach of cl18a / failed to all explain significant matters / breach of cl18b / no relevant written communications / no breach of cl26iii / failure to provide on-going timely updates / breach of cl26b / obligation to confirm in writing material discussions did not arise / no breach of cl26c / alternative charges of negligence dismissed / complaint partially upheld / sanctions to follow