Waikato Times

Firefighte­r fears deportatio­n

- Sam Sherwood

Thousands of people are getting behind a petition to stop a Nelson volunteer firefighte­r being deported as he fights 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.

‘‘It’s not like they are not contributi­ng to the community, especially when Steve is off fighting the fires.’’

Webster was ‘‘a caring guy’’ who would always lend a hand when needed.

‘‘[He] has a great sense of humour and goes the extra mile in anything he is involved in,’’ Mahon said.

The family were ‘‘struggling’’ with the fact they might have to leave.

‘‘It’s pretty bloody difficult for them, they’ve spent so long here.

‘‘Here he is: oh well I will try put the fire out anyway even if they are going to kick me out of the country.’’

Mahon hopes the petition will force Immigratio­n NZ to review its decision.

‘‘It’s pretty bloody difficult for them, they’ve spent so long here.’’ Ken Mahon of Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade

 ?? BRADEN FASTIER/ STUFF ?? Steve Webster finishes a shift fighting the fire near Nelson, on Waitangi Day.
BRADEN FASTIER/ STUFF Steve Webster finishes a shift fighting the fire near Nelson, on Waitangi Day.

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