A Samoan matai found guilty of enslaving two people in Auckland, New Zealand, has been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison.
Moeaia Tuai was found guilty by a jury last year of numerous charges related to slavery, rape, and indecent assault.
He was sentenced in the Auckland High Court to sixteen years and four months’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of eight years.
An 18-month joint investigation by police and Immigration New Zealand was launched in 2024 after the victims came forward with allegations of the 63-year-old’s offending.
Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin said the offending related to two Samoan nationals Tuai arranged to bring to New Zealand in 2016, with the promise of “a good education and a better way of life.”
“But that’s not what happened. Instead, he put them to work, kept their wages, and assaulted them.”
Adkin said for the victims to stand up in court against a Matai was “significant in their culture.”
“But they did it, and their compelling evidence led to a conviction.”
Photo: Radio New Zealand
