AUCKLAND, NZ – Amid growing concerns over dawn raids and deportations targeting the Tongan community, a Tongan immigration consultant has successfully secured permanent residency for an overstaying family—offering a glimmer of hope for others in similar situations.
The case involved a Tongan family who had overstayed their visas, making their immigration status extremely difficult to regularise.
However, Koli Vanisi, director of Pacific Immigration Consultancy & Services Limited, fought their case against Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and won, securing them a permanent residence permit.
This victory comes just hours after a Tongan father was arrested by immigration officers in a dawn raid, sparking fear and frustration within the community.
Vanisi is now urging overstayers not to lose hope, insisting that even complex cases can be resolved with the right legal approach.
No Case Is Too Hard
Linda Ongoivaha,57, and her two children, Pauli, 19, and Lute Mafi ,17, arrived in New Zealand from Tonga on May 3, 2008, on a visitor visa, Vānisi told Kaniva News.
The mother made multiple attempts through lawyers and licensed immigration advisers to secure legal residency in the country, but none were successful.
Vanisi worked on this case, resulting in a ruling (Order) by the New Zealand Immigration Protection Tribunal on August 4, 2025, granting Linda and her two children a Resident Visa, according to Immigration documents seen by Kaniva News.
Immigration New Zealand finalised the tribunal’s decision on August 5, 2025.
“There are people who believe no consultant or lawyer can help them because they think their case is too complex,” Vanisi said.
“But I invite them to come and talk to me—let’s see what can be done.”
Vanisi, who has years of experience in immigration law, says he has regularly battled INZ in tribunals over tough cases—and won.
His latest success with the Tongan family proves that even long-term overstayers may still have pathways to legal status.
A Call to Action for the Tongan Community
With increasing reports of early-morning immigration arrests, many Pacific families live in fear of deportation.
Vanisi’s message is clear: “Don’t wait until it’s too late.”
“If you’re worried about your status, come and see me,” he said.
“We can assess your situation and fight for your right to stay.”
Vanisi is no stranger to the community, as we have regularly reported on his immigration successes—helping Tongans who overstayed their visas finally secure permanent residency.
We have covered his previous wins in tribunal and Immigration NZ cases, including securing residency for Tongans who overstayed for up to 30 years.
Even in cases where Tongans had only been in New Zealand for just over two years and faced medical issues, Vanisi successfully secured their visa approvals.
READ MORE:
- Tongan family who have overstayed in NZ for 28 years granted residence thanks to consultant Koli Vanisi
- Family who have overstayed in NZ for 20 years granted residence
- Consultant’s people-first approach helps ease the stress of immigration woes
- Tongan couple arrived as visitors granted NZ residency after wife’s dialysis emergency
For those seeking assistance, Vanisi can be contacted at 021 294 1443 or via email at koli@picsinfo.nz.
