Visa worries sorted just in time

David Tipple has a criminal record but has been allowed into Australia at the last minute to support his daughter at the Commonwealth Games.

The owner of Christchurch’s Gun City has been helping coach his daughter, Chloe, to compete in the skeet shooting event at the Games, where is she is considered a strong medal chance.

David Tipple was prosecuted in the United States in 2002 for having guns in his luggage to sell in New Zealand without the correct paperwork. He also has a reckless driving conviction from 2009.

Tipple said he had visited Australia without a visa previously, but was told in January he needed one to visit for the Games because

"Thank you Australian visa office for coming through in time." Gun City owner David Tipple

he has a criminal record.

He applied on February 4, but it was deemed incomplete as it did not have a US police report included. This was arranged and filed on March 20.

On Monday, Tipple said he was still unsure whether he would be allowed to attend the Games, but yesterday it was confirmed the Australian Visa Office has granted him entry into the country.

‘‘On my way to be with Chloe . . . at the Commonwealth Games. Thank you Australian visa office for coming through in time,’’ Tipple wrote in a Facebook post yesterday.

The Games started on the Gold Coast yesterday. Chloe Tipple will compete in the skeet shooting on Sunday. She represented New Zealand at the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, where she finished 13th.

New Zealand citizens with previous criminal convictions must disclose them to Australia’s border protection before they travel and provide police clearance from the country of conviction.

The Australian ConsulateGeneral then advises if a visa is required.