Joseph Auga Matamata[1] (born 1953 or 1954) is a New Zealand-based Samoan chief and slave trader.[2] He is the first person in New Zealand to be convicted of using someone as a slave, and the first to be charged with both human trafficking and slavery.[2][3][4]
The offences were committed between 1994 and 2019, and involved 13 people. Following a five-week trial at the Napier High Court, Matamata was convicted of 10 counts of trafficking, and 13 counts of slavery.[3] In July 2020 he was sentenced to 11 years in jail, and reparations of NZ$180,000.[5] He also forfeited two properties where the offences occurred.[2]
References
edit- ^ Lock, Harry (28 July 2020). "Concerns efforts to stop migrant exploitation don't go far enough". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
- ^ a b c "Slave dealer Joseph Matamata jailed for 11 years". Stuff. 27 July 2020. Archived from the original on 27 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
- ^ a b "Samoan chief who enslaved villagers sentenced to 11 years in New Zealand". www.msn.com. Archived from the original on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
- ^ Bradley, Anusha (3 April 2020). "Slavery in New Zealand: inside the story of the Samoan chief who abused power for profit". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
- ^ "First interview: Man kept as slave in NZ speaks out". NZ Herald. 25 June 2023.
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