MTA delighted Minister lets Martyn Payne stay in NZ

Motor Trade Association (MTA) is delighted to hear Northland repairer and business owner Martyn Payne has been granted New Zealand residency.

The businessman and MTA member has operated a thriving repair workshop and service station in the small rural community of Kapiro, Northland.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Martyn has been an MTA member since 2007, after coming to New Zealand almost a decade ago. Previously, Immigration New Zealand decided not to grant Martyn residency, after a medical check-up found he faced the possibility of medical issues.

A respected businessman and member of the Northland community, Martyn’s shop provides a range of services to his community – and jobs for his skilled staff.

Martyn today won a last-minute reprieve from Associate Immigration Minister Nikki Kaye, after a remarkable change in the medical condition that resulted in immigration officials declining to his application to stay in New Zealand.

With his residency permit due to expire on 31 October, Martyn faced an uncertain future – his business and family were all in the small Northland town.

“We’re glad to see the Minister saw sense on this – he’s exactly the type of person New Zealand needs right now.

“We’ve been working to help Martyn stay here for over two years. We’ve taken his case to the CEO of Immigration, found immigration specialists to help his case, and supported him in his business,” MTA Chief Executive Officer Stephen Matthews said.

MTA appreciates the work done by Chris McCarthy from Fragomen immigration consultants, TV3 and the public of New Zealand for getting behind Martyn.

ENDS

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