Deportation threat looms over volunteer firefighter
Thousands of people are getting behind a petition to stop a Nelson volunteer firefighter being deported as he fights the massive wildfire.
The petition was created on Saturday for Steve Webster, who arrived in New Zealand from Britain in 2012, and over 6000 people have already signed it.
Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade life member
Ken Mahon started the petition for Webster, who volunteers for the Nelson and Stoke brigades. He and wife Gail are facing the threat of deportation due to not meeting their visa requirements.
‘‘Apparently, they’ve got three years to reach a certain target, and they were just short of it,’’ Mahon said.
Mahon said that as part of their work visa, the Websters bought a business in Nelson before arriving in the country. However, on arrival they discovered that the business was failing and the previous owner was gone.
Despite Steve Webster working as a car dealer while Gail continues to run the business, the family were set to be deported on June 1, Mahon said.
‘‘It’s not like they are not contributing to the community.’’
Webster was ‘‘a caring guy’’ who would always lend a hand when needed, he said.. Immigration NZ manager Michael Carley said the family’s work visas were valid until July 6, and they would have the opportunity to apply for further visas before then.