Semisi Ma'afu Samiu lost the use of his limbs after injuring his spine in 2006. But Samiu had defied Immigration and remained here, his family fearing he would not survive a return to his native Tonga where facilities for disabled people are limited.

Another concern was that he couldn't take invaluable equipment belonging to ACC with him.

Samiu's daughter Laumanu Ma'afu said some of those barriers had now been resolved.

Continue reading

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.

Source

• The New Zealand Herald
• Image: Sydney Morning Herald