Photo: RNZ / Todd Niall
A New Zealander living overseas has been arrested at the border after refusing to repay his student loan.
The Kiwi man, who has more than $20,000 in debt, was picked up as he attempted to leave the country, following a summer holiday at home.
The Inland Revenue Department is flexing its powers to crack down on people with unpaid student debt and this is the first time the sanction has been used.
LISTEN to more on RNZ's Morning Report.
IRD Collections Manager for student loans, Stuart McDuff, told RNZ's Morning Report it was a last resort to arrest him at the border - as they try to engage with people and get them to pay.
He says they'll be working with the arrested man to find some options for him to sort the debt out.
A version of this story was first published on radionz.co.nz.