Media Release 11 May 2011

Positive outcome in sight for embattled Northland business owner

Motor Trade Association (MTA) is pleased that a positive outcome is in sight for embattled Northland business owner Martyn Payne. MTA, who has been lobbying on behalf of its member, is confident that there can now be real progress after securing the services of a licensed immigration advisor who will assist him in his battle to remain in New Zealand.

Martyn’s plight was brought to the attention of New Zealanders after featuring in recent TV3 Campbell Live programmes. As a result, many thousands of New Zealanders rallied in support of Martyn, and his desire to remain in New Zealand.

After settling in New Zealand nearly seven years ago, building up a successful service station and auto repair business in Kapiro, near Kerikeri, he was refused Permanent Residency.

His application was rejected on the grounds that future treatment of an existing medical condition had the potential to exceed $25,000. Officials had seen an alternative medical opinion that stated his condition was unlikely to deteriorate to this level; however they considered this was insufficient to alter their recommendation.

Commenting, MTA CEO Stephen Matthews says “We appreciate that rules are there for good reason. But it seemed to us, when the individual concerned has been such a positive contributor to his local community, that there must be a better way to resolve this impasse, than him just simply upping stakes and leaving. As an MTA member we wanted to support him.”

Martyn left New Zealand recently of his own accord, with his family taking over the day to day running of his business. Since then he has been waiting it out in Brisbane, hoping for a change of mind from Associate Minister for Immigration, Kate Wilkinson.

After learning of Martyn’s predicament, MTA has since secured the services of a licensed immigration advisor who is now working with him to make application for a Temporary Work Visa. This Visa, if granted, would allow Martyn to re-enter New Zealand for up to 12 months. During that time, he could make further application for Permanent Residency.

Stephen Matthews said “Up until now, things have been at something of a stalemate. While Martyn’s position is still not guaranteed, it has been great to have been able to bring in people who are experts in this area, and hopefully we’ll be able to advance his case. We have had a lot of support from the public, TV3 and from other MTA members, and I am confident that now, he really will get a fair go.”

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