Help This Solo Māori Dad Keep His Kids in Aotearoa

Kia ora, my name is John. I’m a proud Māori father raising my three tamariki on my own. We returned to Aotearoa to reconnect with our Ngāpuhi roots, but now face complex legal and immigration challenges.

I’ve already spent over $14,000 in legal costs. Because I am a citizen by descent, I need to apply separately for their residency — which costs $3,200 per child. Without residency, they cannot attend school on visitor visas. It feels unfair and financially overwhelming.

Their connection to Aotearoa runs deep. My late mother was a beloved NZ entertainer, and my grandfather proudly wore the All Blacks jersey. This is our tūrangawaewae.

There is also a significant cost for a court-ordered custody evaluation, which could be between $5,000–$6,000. I am committed to keeping my tamariki safe, grounded in their whenua, and surrounded by their whakapapa.