But Immigration New Zealand's website later said the suspension of visa processing for most people overseas was extended until at least August. "That's going to mean further delays and we could be looking at well into 2023 until people can get their families into New Zealand," immigration lawyer Nick Mason said. That's been hard to take, he said, particularly as it seemed tourists not needing visas would be allowed in from April. Advocates said the border announcement got split families' hopes up momentarily but they were dashed by the visa processing news and policies that "continue to marginalise, confuse and discriminate". On Wednesday, two New Zealanders are taking a High Court case against Immigration New Zealand and the Immigration Minister over their suspension of visa processing and lapsing of temporary applications.

Source: Stuff December 06, 2021 18:02 UTC