Mario Quintela's opportunity to visit his friends in NZ after being turned away at the border!
Lifelong friend attempting first NZ visit loses 3 years savings as refused entry to NZ by Auckland immigration
Otago
Portugal native, Mario Quintela (Quintas), was refused entry to NZ at Auckland immigration in the 1st week of Jan '16. After saving for years he arranged to visit lifelong friends in Central Otago. Local family gutted at treatment of their friend and the impersonal and callous manner he was dealt with by our NZ "officials". They would love to be able to get him here on a sponsorship basis and we are attempting only to recoup lost expenses so Quintas can complete his journey.
Shane Crawford's involvement (page creator)
Central Otago locals, Nuno & Pam, are extremely giving and generous and would be the first ones to offer help to others. They are too humble to ask for help and this is a fantastic opportunity to support them. As we know, a small community rallies around to help and support each other.
Latest update
Amazing News!! 10 February 2016
The below is an excerpt from an email sent out by Pam & Nuno!
"We are emailing to tell you all the good news that we received last night. Immigration NZ has approved our friend Mario's visa and he is clear to return to NZ! They have also blown us all away by providing an air ticket for him, and his travel will be arranged within the next week or so - we are hoping he will be here by the end of February, and still stay for the planned three months. We are writing to thank all of you for your support, in particular those of you who wrote letters of support for our campaign. It's been very humbling but also hugely fortifying to know how much support we have had from all of you, so thank you. We hope you all share our excitement about our success, which just goes to show what people in little old Alexandra can do when they take the system on, and we hope you all enjoy getting to meet Mario when he finally arrives! (There may be some kind of event held at some stage ...)
Thankyou again. Cheers, Pam & Nuno."
Quintas still has expenses that he has to cover or is out of pocket for, namely; domestic travel (Portugal & NZ), travel insurance & other expenses. I have made contact with givealittle as want to stop any further donations as there has never been any intention to make a profit from this page.
Given NZ Immigrations change of heart, anybody who has donated and now would like their donation back this will be arranged.
Cheers - Shane
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