Convict Faces Deportation After Violent Robbery A convicted robber who attacked an elderly man to steal his slot machine winnings will be deported to New Zealand despite having resided in Australia since childhood. Tyler Pewhairangi, now in his 20s, was sentenced in 2020 to over three years in prison for aggravated robbery. His visa was subsequently canceled under laws requiring individuals to fail a character test following prison sentences of 12 months or more. In a recent court ruling, a three-judge panel of the Federal Court dismissed Pewhairangi’s appeal to reinstate his visa. This decision aligns with recent changes to a ministerial directive that prioritizes community safety over an individual’s ties to Australia when considering visa reinstatement. Pewhairangi’s attack on the 77-year-old victim occurred in 2019. After observing the man cash out his winnings, Pewhairangi followed him and repeatedly punched him in the head and face. He stole $120 from the victim, who sustained significant injuries. Despite having lived in Australia for over two decades, Pewhairangi’s visa revocation remains in place. He has argued that his mental health issues, including substance abuse and depression, would worsen if he were to return to New Zealand, where he has limited family connections. His mother testified that she had fled a violent relationship when he was 12 and had taken only his brother with her. However, the court ruled that his ties to Australia did not outweigh the need to protect the community from potential harm. The court ordered Pewhairangi to pay the legal costs of the federal immigration minister. He is currently pending deportation.