20 Feb 2017

Former NZ policeman forced out of the Cooks

From , 4:03 pm on 20 February 2017

A former New Zealand police detective, who has been living in the Cook Islands for the last 13 years, has been forced out of the country.

Mark Franklin had been given two options - he could go voluntarily and possibly re-enter the country within two years, or be formally deported and barred from entering the Cooks for a minimum of five years.

He chose the first option.

Mr Franklin had worked as an investigator for former cabinet minister Teina Bishop, who unsuccessfully fought corruption charges last year.

Our correspondent in Rarotonga, Florence Syme Buchanan, says this involvement appears to be a factor in Mr Franklin's removal.

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