[2025] NZIACDT 55, NA v Wharekura (Philip Leslie Wharekura)

“Sanctions / adviser failed to lodge complainant’s work visa application and carelessly represented that it had been filed / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s442 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl2e, cl17a, cl17b, cl17c, cl19f, cl19g, cl19h / four heads of complaint involving breach of eight obligations in Code / adviser has acknowledged wrongdoing and made considerable efforts to improve practice / adviser’s medical circumstances provide some explanation but do not justify wrongdoing / third complaint upheld against adviser / adviser censured / no retraining, suspension or cancellation necessary in light of steps taken / adviser fined $2,500 financial penalty / adviser ordered to pay $2,281 in compensation, reflecting costs of visitor visa and emotional distress exacerbated by adviser’s misleading behaviour”