On Wednesday 23 May, the New Zealand Immigration Service carried out a series of raids on hostels and backpackers across Northland. The officers involved took part in room-to-room searches, kicking people out of showers and arresting and deporting at least three workers who did not have the right papers. Roadblocks were set up and people were questioned on their way to work.

"One hostel owner was surprised at the timing of this years NZIS operation as 6-8 weeks of work still remain. He suspected that a recent govt policy to use Kiwi's and Pacific Islanders for seasonal work was the impetus behind the suddeness and large scale of this years raid."