Fighting deportation along with the f ires
Thousands of people are getting behind a petition to stop the possible future deportation of a Nelson volunteer firefighter who is battling the massive bush fire.
The petition was created on Saturday for Steve Webster and his family, who arrived in New Zealand from Britain in 2012, with over 6000 people already signing up. Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade life member Ken Mahon started the petition for Webster, who volunteers for both Nelson and Stoke brigades.
Mahon said that as part of their work visa the family bought a business in Nelson before arriving in the country. However, on arrival they discovered the business was failing and the person who owned it was gone.
Now, seven years later, despite Webster working in Nelson as a car dealer while his wife, Gail Webster, continues to run the business, the family are set to be deported on June 1. The reasons for the deportation are unclear.
Immigration NZ manager Michael Carley said Webster and his family were all legally in New Zealand and that he and his wife’s work visas were valid until July 6.
‘‘They will have the opportunity to apply for further visas before then. There is no compliance action planned against the family as they’re all lawfully in New Zealand.’’
Mahon said the deportation was due to the business not performing to a high enough standard.
‘‘Which is pretty bloody unfair when he’s such a great guy and they have got the business up and running.’’ The family were ‘‘struggling’’ with the fact they might have to leave.