The New Zealand Refugee Status Appeals Authority (RSAA) is an independent body established to determine appeals from decisions of the Refugee Status Branch of the New Zealand Immigration Service declining refugee status. The RSAA was initially established in 1991 under the prerogative powers of the Executive (Cabinet) of the New Zealand Government. The RSAA was later given statutory basis pursuant to the Immigration Amendment Act 1999, which came into force on 1 October 1999. The RSAA ceased to exist on 29 November 2010, when it was replaced by the Immigration and Protection Tribunal. Website: www.nzrefugeeappeals.govt.nz/
The appellant's first claim was declined by the Refugee Status Branch of the Department of Labour, and on appeal (the first appeal) by the Authority (differently constituted) -- see Refugee Appeal No. 76065.
This is an abridged version of the decision. Some particulars have been removed from or
summarised in the decision pursuant to s129T of the Immigration Act 1987. Where this has occurred, it is indicated by square brackets.