Nearly 2000 people have been deported to New Zealand since Australia began hardline enforcement of a populist immigration policy in late 2014.

The deportees - many of whom have not lived in New Zealand for decades - are blamed for a rise in violent, organised crime.

Although Australia has long been described as our closest friend, its politicians have not flinched at protests from the highest levels of successive New Zealand governments. It’s become “fashionable” in Australia to “beat up on New Zealanders,” a lawyer says.

In this three-part investigation, Andrea Vance, Blair Ensor and visual journalist Iain McGregor examine the unwelcome Product of Australia that’s being exported to our shores.

In part one, deportee Lee Barber arrives at Christchurch International Airport after more than 40 years living on the other side of the Tasman. There’s only one person waiting for him, and she isn’t family.