An Auckland man has slept for the first time in weeks after receiving news he won't be deported, after initially being asked to leave the country due to a technicality with their visa.
The questions related to how much was in their business accounts. Mr Alexander told the AM Show it was down to a "minor situation" in 2016.
Derek Alexander told The AM show he applied for residency with his wife Melissa in May 2017, and in May 2018 he was told the application had been declined.
They were going to have to leave by July 12, but received a letter on Tuesday evening finally telling them they would be able to stay.
Immigration NZ is now allowing the couple to stay for another 12 months on their business visa and they can reapply for permanent residency within the first three months.
It's not a guarantee, but Mr Alexander said it was a move in the right direction.
He said he's very thankful to all of the people that saw the couple's plight on television and got in touch with messages of support.
"I would like to thank everybody, the thousands of people that have supported us, it's been marvellous people phoning us up, walking along in the street, Pak'n'Save, people coming up to you, fantastic," he said.
"Kris Faafoi thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to stay here and prove our worth to the country."
Newshub.
