An incoming passenger who was arrested at the Rarotonga International Airport on Saturday morning has been allowed to travel back to New Zealand.

William Pukeiti appeared before Justice of the Peace John Whitta at the Criminal Court on Thursday for the charge of possession of cannabis.

Pukeiti is understood to have been arrested following a baggage check at the Customs. He had been remanded and was later bailed to appear in court.

Defence lawyer Michelle Tangimama made submissions for the defendant to return to New Zealand for the birth of his child on July 3 and also for his children.

Tangimama said that the defendant had travelled to Rarotonga for the funeral of a family member when he was arrested at the airport for the possession of cannabis.

She said that the matter was to be called before the Chief Justice or a judge but they had yet to receive any disclosure.

Tangimama said that she felt her client should be allowed to travel back to New Zealand and return in time for the next hearing.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo did not oppose bail but requested for a bond to be put in place.

JP Whitta adjourned the matter to September 1 and ordered a $500 surety for bail before police could release Pukeiti’s passport.