The report was instigated after certain individuals complained about how they were treated by Immigration New Zealand; one complainant had been detained by Immigration New Zealand; while in another case a woman was deported after she made a complaint as a victim of a serious crime.

Michael was specifically asked to examine Immigration New Zealand’s Standard Operating Procedures and consider whether these were being followed and were sufficiently robust to ensure sound decision-making. He delivered a report recommending that Immigration New Zealand refocus its priorities in the deportation and detention space, and consider a broader range of compliance activities, meaning that custodial action should be a last resort.