The Wellington motel where Joanne Ingham was found dead this week has a chequered history between allegations of migrant sex work, a police raid and an ass
Immigration New Zealand investigating allegations of migrant sex work in Wellington
28 Apr, 2021 12:24 AM
2 minutes to read
Immigration New Zealand is assessing further information relating to allegations of migrant sex workers being at a Wellington motel. Photo / File
Immigration New Zealand is assessing further information relating to allegations of migrant sex workers being at a Wellington motel. Photo / File
Wellington issues reporter, NZ Heraldgeorgina.campbell@nzme.co.nz
Immigration New Zealand is looking into allegations of migrant sex workers being at the premises of a central Wellington motel.
Deputy Head of Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Stephen Vaughan confirmed an investigation was under way.
There is no suggestion the alleged migrant sex workers were emergency housing clients. A spokeswoman for Harbour City “absolutely refuted” the allegations, stating she’d never received any complaints from guests, nor was she aware of the activity. “This is an unfair attack on our business,” she said, declining to be named. Harbour City has been paid $2.5m by the Ministry of Social Development since June 2017, according to official data. Last month it was raided by police, who seized methamphetamine, cannabis and stolen property. Detective Sergeant Charlie Munro said no arrests were made.
ROSS GIBLIN/STUFF
Last month, Wellington police carried out a search warrant for drugs at Harbour City Motor Inn. (Video first published on March 2021).