Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

 Plain Language Law homepage
Back to
281B: Power of entry and search for identity documents
or “Immigration officers can search for and take identity documents if you refuse to show them”
You could also call this:

“Immigration officers can freely enter designated areas to do their job”

You should know that an immigration officer has special powers in certain areas. These areas are called immigration control areas. The officer can go into these areas at any time, day or night. They don’t need a special piece of paper called a warrant to do this. They can also go into any building or vehicle in these areas. The reason they can do this is to do their job under the Immigration Act. This law gives them the right to enter these places without asking for extra permission.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

Next up: 283: Powers at border

or “Immigration officers' authority to search and investigate at New Zealand's borders”
Next

Part 8 Compliance and information
Powers at border

282Immigration officer’s powers to enter immigration control area

  1. An immigration officer may, at any time of day or night, without a warrant or any authority other than this section, enter any immigration control area or any building or craft in that area for the purposes of carrying out his or her functions under this Act.