Figures from Australia show New Zealanders make up more than half of the 450 foreigners who have had their visas cancelled after being convicted of serious crimes there since last July.

The Immigration Department says 254 Kiwis had their visas cancelled, the highest of any nationality, followed by 40 Brits, 30 Asians and 28 Africans.

Another 100 people had their visa applications refused for failing Australia's character test in migration laws, including 22 from New Zealand.

Seventy-one people have been deported following criminal convictions in Australia, including nine paedophiles, six rapists and one murderer.