A 63-year-old Samoan chief, Moeaia Tuai, was sentenced to 16 years and four months in prison for slavery, rape, and indecent assault against two young people between 2016 and 2024.

According to RNZ and Counties Manukau Police, the sentence includes a non-parole period of eight years.

Tuai, a former prison officer, was found guilty last year by a jury of two charges of slavery, two counts of rape, and several other sexual assaults. The Auckland High Court heard that he forced the male victim to work full-time in New Zealand and Australia while controlling his bank account, card, and passport, giving him only $100 a week. 

The female victim was made to work cash-in-hand jobs, at one point for 57 consecutive days without a break, while Tuai controlled her movements, money, and forced sexual acts. Both victims faced threats of violence and deportation if they disobeyed.

Justice Michele Wilkinson-Smith said Tuai treated the victims as property, used their earnings to fund his lifestyle, and saddled them with debts. She emphasised that slavery is illegal, not a cultural misunderstanding, and warned that the case shows how exploitation can occur.

Through an interpreter, a victim told the court, "A glass shattered into tiny pieces cannot be put back together again," urging anyone who gave false testimony to repent. Tuai’s sentence was slightly reduced due to possible poor treatment in prison and the impact on his sick wife, who also benefited from the offending.

Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin of the Counties Manukau CIB said the victims were brave to speak up, and teamwork between the New Zealand Police and Immigration New Zealand helped secure the conviction. He said the offending involved two people Tuai arranged to bring to New Zealand in 2016.

“Initially, the victims were promised 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 is significant, but they did it, and their compelling evidence led to a conviction.”

He acknowledged the hard work of the investigation team and specialist agencies who supported the victims throughout the process.

Jason Perry, National Manager of Immigration Investigations at Immigration New Zealand, said: "Immigration New Zealand is committed to supporting Police to ensure those who deliberately harm or take advantage of others are held accountable. Coordinated action like this is essential to protecting vulnerable people and raising awareness. If you see signs of exploitation, report it."