Human trafficking and slavery charges

Slavery and human trafficking trial involving Samoan national begins today

Samoan national Joseph Matamata, 65, also known as Viliamu Samu, is facing a total of 24 charges in relation to bringing 13 people from Samoa to New Zealand for horticultural work across Hawke's Bay.

Matamata, who has New Zealand residency and lives in Hastings, was arrested in December 2018 after a two-year investigation by Police and Immigration New Zealand.

He was originally facing 18 charges involving 10 people, but further charges were laid in August last year.