Bitter at being deported back
A New Zealand rugby player will be back on home soil after being deported from the UK, six months before he was eligible to apply for citizenship.
Matamata-born Rewiti (Woody) Vaimoso left New Zealand in 2004 to travel the world with his then-girlfriend.
‘‘I went over [to Scunthorpe, England] and enjoyed the place. I thought we would be there for two years and then move on but we got so settled we decided to call the place home.’’
Over nine years later, Vaimoso and his girlfriend broke up, a fact he passed on to immigration as his visa was based on hers.
‘‘ I applied to get it extended six months, then I could apply for citizenship. About a month later, I turned up to work as normal and they had an email from the Home Office.’’
His employers at the steel mill had been informed that they could receive a fine or prosecution for harbouring an illegal immigrant.
‘‘I was laid off immediately. I felt like a criminal. I was caught completely offguard. It was early November and I’d been busy planning my sister’s visit. I was in genuine shock and was trying to figure out what my next move was.’’
It was two weeks later when Vaimoso himself received a letter to say his application had been denied.
‘‘It made my blood boil, I was a little bit bitter. I wasn’t a strain on the public services as I was fully employed. I’ve never had a criminal record, paid all my taxes. Done everything they asked me to.’’
Vaimoso had volunteered for charities, coached school teams and most famously, played rugby for Scunthorpe Rugby Club.
‘‘ I played by the rules treated me like a criminal.’’
Vaimoso had integrated himself into Scunthorpe society and they are unhappy to see him go.
‘‘I’ve had unbelievably overwhelming support from Scunthorpe and around the UK. I won’t miss the weather but it’s the people who make a town.’’
He will be going back to stay with his parents in Matamata but has plans to join the police force.
‘‘ I feel like I’ve experiences and can munity in that way.’’
Vaimoso is going to miss the low British prices of Anchor butter but is looking forward to a good Kiwi mince and cheese pie.
‘‘The pies here are disgusting, nothing like home. Oh and Perky Nana’s. Mum used to send me them in bulk.’’
Vaimoso has a new girlfriend he will be leaving behind in Kent and is spending some time with her family before he has to leave.
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