It’s not just us plebs that have trouble getting into NZ.
Today the papers are talking about the fact that the amazing Richard O’Brien cant emigrate to New Zealand, despite that fact that he actually grew up here from the age of ten, and his family is still here.
Seems he didn’t get Citizenship before he left in his 20′s to go to London, and create the best dance in the history of the world (possible excepting the Hokey Cokey if you really want to argue about it).
So now – he appears to have no automatic right to apply for residency as he doesn’t fit any criteria according to his immigration advisor. (Licensed, though it doesn’t say that on their website).
Now obviously – being a Newspaper report, there are a huge number of questions that aren’t answered. I’m assuming that at the time his family emigrated there were no such thing as IRRV’s which allow you to come back to New Zealand permanently even if you have been away for many years.
As it is it seems he was trying to apply under the family residence (adult sibling) category – the same as my brother, becuase he has two siblings here. Only hes too old and yes – you guessed it – he cant apply until he gets a job offer. I somehow thing that wouldn’t be an issue. The Retirement visas don’t seem suitable – one is for sponsoring your parents and the one that doesn’t is only temporary. His son is also in New Zealand as a Student, and apparently applying for residence himself.
It also turns out that Richard O’Brien is so well thought of as a Kiwi, that theres a statue of him in Hamilton, where he used to live. It even has a Webcam! Actually I find that quite fitting.
So now hes writing to Mr Coleman the minister and asking for help. I damn well hope he gets it. New Zealand is ever so eager to lame claim to all sorts of famous people – right up till the might ask for something back. I remember at the premier for King Kong, Andy Serkis was complaining that he couldn’t get residence here either – despite being part of a set of films that NZ just wont stop banging on about because they were made here. And yet Michael Barrymore got in despite having a rather disturbing criminal record that would have ensured any normal person wasn’t allowed in.
So here’s wishing Mr O’Brien the best of luck in his plans to retire to New Zealand as a Permanent resident. He has family here, history here, and he’s claimed as a Kiwi. Cant see the issue myself!
Comments
6 Comments on It’s not just us plebs that have trouble getting into NZ.
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scott on
Sat, 5th Jun 2010 11:17 pm
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Sophie on
Sun, 6th Jun 2010 12:00 am
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Michelle on
Sun, 6th Jun 2010 9:52 am
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Deborah on
Sun, 6th Jun 2010 1:00 pm
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Hubby on
Sun, 6th Jun 2010 7:02 pm
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Mollyarabella on
Tue, 27th Jul 2010 10:50 am
Ive been on FB to long this evening, I read this and then searched for the like button.
LOL @ Scott 
Though I did see something about this on FB too – someone suggested a mass Time Warp flashmob outside the Beehive. Brilliant!
Wow, I love the timewarp and Richard O’Brian the mans a genius. Could we not send Barrymore back in exchange for him?
Love it! (The Timewarp and the webcam I mean, not the fact that he can’t get back home)
I just peeked at the webcam and there was a family looking at it and the girl was waving the NZ flag, even she wants Richard home.
I’m pretty sure Barrymore went back to the UK after his relationship broke up, but there must be someone else we can swap for.
I think he should apply as a body double for Michael Barrymore – bound to be danger money involved in that one.
Thank you for your support of Richard. This article has been linked to the “Let Richard O’Brien be a New Zealand Citizen!”s Facebook Group wall. You are all welcome to join us there for further updates on Richard’s efforts to gain NZ citizenship. Many thanks again. Great article
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