Immigration Detention in New Zealand

New Zealand has adopted stringent laws providing for immigration detention, including the detention of asylum seekers and children in cases of “mass” boat arrivals. The country has also lauded Australia’s offshore detention practices, saying they could help deter asylum seekers. But New Zealand has never experienced the type of migratory pressures that these policies are aimed at addressing. On the other hand, the country has at times exhibited a positive response to asylum seekers, which some advocates say could help the country play a role in regional efforts to end the immigration detention of children.