Deportation-threatened Maia Matubis (21), and mother Jesselou Gamis, of Balclutha, are heartened by the ‘‘overwhelming’’ response to Miss Matubis’ appeal to remain in New Zealand with her family. On Tuesday, Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan alerted the Otago Daily Times to 21-year-old liver transplant survivor Maia Matubis’ plight, while throwing his personal support behind the honours pupil’s continued bid for residency through Immigration NZ (INZ). The family has since moved to Balclutha, where Mr and Mrs Gamis work at the Otago Corrections Facility. Miss Matubis has enjoyed good health since her transplant 20 years ago, thanks to treatment costing between $1500 and $3200 a year, paid for by her family. ‘‘Immigration has its criteria and technicalities, but this is about giving a promising young lady with a decent, supportive family a fair go.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 04, 2020 15:33 UTC