Thousands of Tongans living in New Zealand have been caught up in an immigration scam, prompting the community to call for urgent Government action.
Auckland man Fetongi Malupo has targeted kava groups and South Auckland churches selling fake New Zealand residencies for almost $300.
However Immigration New Zealand says the contract is a scam and it is investigating the case.
"If you don't have a visa from Immigration New Zealand, it's not a legitimate one and if it has been secured by paying money it's just a scam," says Alan Barry of Immigration New Zealand.
However Malupo told ONE News his intentions were just to help his community.
"I helped my people, that is the only purpose from it," he said.
"It was worth taking a risk and if it doesn't work it doesn't work."
Malupo said he only collected the money and passports and then gave them on to fellow Tongan Kolini Tatafu.
In 2004 ONE News uncovered a pensioner housing scam Tatafu was running. ONE News was unable to contact Tatafu today.
Malupo is now promising to return money and passports to anyone who wants them.
Immigration New Zealand is urging anyone affected by the scam to contact them.