20116 (2026). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister of Immigration

20116 (2026). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister of Immigration: Further to Written Question 6242 (2026), what criteria, if any, distinguish “reasonable suspicion” from ordinary nervousness, reluctance to engage, language difficulties, or cultural differences during immigration compliance encounters?

Hon Erica Stanford: I am advised that all Compliance officers receive extensive training including on the powers they have under the Immigration Act 2009 what types of observations and behaviours may contribute to forming 'good cause to suspect' in the range of scenarios it applies.  This training also covers the rights and obligations that people have under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and how to best engage with migrants - this includes different cultural perspectives of authority figures, which may influence how people interact with them.