A Filipino dairy farmer who has lived in New Zealand for 10 years has had his bid to stay in the country rejected.
Noland Kinney received the news two days after Christmas in a letter from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). 1News first met the Waikato-based dairy farmer two months ago.
Back in October, officials indicated Kinney's chances of staying were slim as he might one day need a kidney transplant, which could impose significant costs on the health system.
But having paid taxes and for private healthcare, the 53-year-old hoped for leniency.
"I've been here for 10 years working hard for my family. It's not about me, it's about my family's future," Kinney said.
With his visa set to expire in six months, he's now pinning his hopes on an appeal to the Immigration Tribunal.
Kinney said, for him, there's no other choice but to keep fighting.
"Everything is here. We don't have a house, we don't have a job if we are sent back to the Philippines, we don't know where to go, I don't have family there."
He's gained support from across the political spectrum - with National MP Louise Upston and Green MP Ricardo Menendez March both showing support for Kinney and his family.
Upston wrote a letter to INZ which said his departure would be a "significant loss".
Menendez March told 1News: "Noland has been living here for almost 10 years, [and] has contributed to one of the key sectors of our economy".
Immigration NZ is unlikely to grant residency to Noland Kinney over health concerns. (Source: 1News)
He continued: "The right thing to do would be to let him stay."
Kinney also challenged INZ's medical assessor, who indicated he might need a new kidney within five years - something his own specialist said may not be needed until later.
None of the Waikato farmer's points have swayed immigration officials, who in their latest letter told Kinney they did not believe he met the requirements, as he did not meet the acceptable standard of health.
Immigration officials are unable to take into account migrants' ability to pay for their own medical bills, or the value they bring to the country.
In the past, there have been cases of migrants successfully fighting the policy, but advocates say the system is outdated.
Áine Kelly-Costello is blind, which meant when their parents immigrated here, they had to fight for their child to stay. Their challenges with the system motivated them to advocate for those going through the same battle now.
Kelly-Costello said the policy around the acceptable standard of health is outdated.
"For too long disabled people and people with health conditions have been seen as cost burdens in Aotearoa," they told 1News.
They've helped support Kinney with advice and set up a Givealittle page to help with his legal costs.
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