A fresh round of intelligence leaks have claimed new boat arrivals of asylum seekers, and lay the blame at New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's feet.
Australian authorities reportedly turned around four new boats just before Christmas, and intelligence sources have said Ardern's criticisms of Australia's refugee policy are the likely cause.
The Queensland‑based Courier Mail has reported 164 asylum seekers across the boats were halted and reversed, but not before telling officials working for "Operation Sovereign Borders" that they were bound for New Zealand.
Ardern has been more vocal than previous leaders about her concern over Australia's treatment of asylum seekers and refugees.
The Australian Government has pressured Ardern to step down from a tougher stance on its treatment of asylum seekers.
It's currently working through a plan to allow 1500 to be accepted into the United States.
Ardern has retained an offer to take up to 150 asylum seekers on Manus Island off Australia's hands.
Source: stuff.co
