Immigration New Zealand says it is in the public interest to deport a tetraplegic to Tonga. Semisi Ma’afu Samiu is wondering how he will get off the airplane once he gets there.
He tripped over a child’s plastic bike in Auckland in May 2006, crashing on to a concrete surface and injuring his spine, leaving him without the use of his limbs.
He has been declined New Zealand residency. In a letter dated December 3, Immigration New Zealand technical officer Terri Bentley informed Samiu’s daughter and primary carer Laumanu Ma’afu there was no alternative but to deport him. All appeals have been dismissed.
Last month, Samiu agreed to obey a directive from Immigration NZ and return to Tonga, but when he discovered ACC’s equipment would have to stay he called it off. Some of his medicines were also not available in Tonga.
Immigration NZ said the Removal Review Authority concluded living in Tonga would be sufficient. Samiu would have a reduced life expectancy but the cost of his disability on the health system meant it was in the public interest for him to return.
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