Auckland man on trial for slavery and sexual abuse charges

Monday 20 October 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 20 Oct 2025, 7:00pm

Moeaia Tuai, 63, is appearing in the Auckland High Court facing charges including dealing in slaves, sexual violation, and assault. Prosecutors allege he controlled two young people by withholding their wages and passports. Tuai has pleaded not guilty, claiming the allegations were fabricated.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZMon 20 Oct 2025, 5:30pm

   'Controlling them as if they were his property' - slavery trial starts (opens in new tab)

2. StuffMon 20 Oct 2025, 5:54pm

   ‘He exploited them’: Man accused of dealing in slaves and sexual abuse (opens in new tab)

3. 1News via RNZMon 20 Oct 2025, 6:05pm

   'Controlling as if they were his property' – slavery trial starts (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldMon 20 Oct 2025, 7:00pm

   Moeaia Tuai slavery and rape trial begins in Auckland High Court (opens in new tab)