Kiwi detained in WA for bikie links

The federal government is under fire from across the ditch with a former New Zealand serviceman awaiting deportation in a West Australian prison.

New Zealand national Ko Haapu is being held at Casuarina Prison due to his links to the Rebels motorcycle gang.

New Zealand Maori Party member Marama Fox told 6PR on Wednesday she believed Mr Haapu's arrest was a breach of human rights.

"While he might be a patched member of the Rebels Motorcycle Club, that in itself is not against the law, that in itself has not seen him commit any crime that he has been charged with in this country or in your country," Ms Fox said.

She used Remembrance Day to remind the Australian government of the deep ties between the two nations.

"Don't you find it quite remarkable that here on Armistice Day we are having this conversation?

"We forged a relationship in the trenches of war and yet Australia has made law changes, dating back to 2001, that treat Kiwis with disdain, where Kiwis do not have the same rights as an American tourist."