A Tongan family in Auckland is appealing against deportation after the father was sent back to Tonga, leaving the mother and two sons, one of whom is seriously ill, in New Zealand.
Tina and Tafuna Vea’ila received deportation orders last month. While Tafuna has already been deported, Tina remains with their sons, including 14-year-old Tony, who has been battling strep throat, pneumonia, and recently suffered a seizure. Tina expressed her fears, saying, “I’m so scared because he’s not healthy… if we go back I don’t think he can survive in Tonga.”
The family’s lawyer, Soane Foliaki, has requested Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk to intervene, highlighting the family’s 15-year residence in New Zealand, their tax contributions, clean criminal record, and the children’s academic achievements. Foliaki emphasized, “I think the minister has the authority and has the discretion to just grant these people residence.”
In response, Penk acknowledged the application, stating, “The application has been accepted for consideration… compliance action will not be taken by INZ while a decision is being made.”
Green Party immigration spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March plans to support the family’s case, noting, “We have two young people facing being completely stripped from the country that they have known… that would not only deteriorate the health of one of the kids, but would permanently strip their livelihoods.”
Tina described the family’s current state as “broken,” adding, “It’s not easy, it’s a very hard situation for me… when they took my husband, I never sleep.” She hopes for a chance to provide her sons with a better future in New Zealand.
