When the woman was diagnosed with terminal cancer, the man stood by her, caring for her through her final days. After her death, Immigration New Zealand declined his application because it was no longer supported by an “eligible New Zealand citizen partner”. A year later, he moved into his partner’s home and at the end of 2022, she was diagnosed with cancer. The tribunal stated that if the Minister of Immigration granted the man residence, his conviction would make him liable for deportation. It stated that on February 12, the minister decided to grant the man residence as an exception to Immigration’s instructions.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 10, 2026 23:32 UTC