Newshub has located a man wanted by the Australian government after it mistakenly deported him.
Bruce Moana was appealing his cancelled visa when officials sent him here last August. An Australian judge has ruled it shouldn't have happened, but Moana was never told.
"It's all bullshit," he told Newshub. "That's time I missed out on with my family."
He's one of almost 1800 people deported back here since 2015 as part of Australia's crackdown on Kiwi criminals.
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Moana had lived there since he was 13, but served time for assault, burglary, and stealing.
"We all make mistakes, it's how you acknowledge them and move on," he said.
After finishing his six-month prison sentence, he said he was placed in detention for two years. His visa was cancelled and his appeal failed - but only because immigration officials gave him the wrong paperwork.
The Federal Court was to hear a new appeal, but before that could happen, Moana was sent packing.
"I have a daughter buried over there," he said. "You know what Home Affairs said? You can always dig her up and take her to New Zealand."
Since then he's been staying in motels in New Zealand and two of his daughters have moved here to be with him.
He thought there was no chance of returning to Australia, but last month a federal judge gave him a second chance.
Justice Alsop said he wasn't satisfied Moana had reasonable opportunity to approach the court for an appeal.
He said the respondent - Australia's Immigration Minister - must ensure no one is removed from the country while proceedings are pending.
Deportees advocate Filipa Payne understands Moana's frustration..
"He has a right to be angry about the whole deportee system in the first place. He's left powerless throughout it, placed in a detention centre and then deported involuntarily while his appeal was in process."
The judge ordered the Australian government to find Moana with the help of Interpol.
Moana said he hasn't heard from the Aussie authorities, but he now has some hope - and he's found a lawyer to help.
"I live every day as it comes."
Newshub.
