Help Vicky and baby go to Samoa

Talofa friends,

My name is Vicky Saifiti. I’m a New Zealand native with a rich Cook Island, Samoan, and Maori heritage.

I have been married to Tavita, a full Samoan and the love of my life, for over a year now. We are currently very excited for the arrival of our first child—a son—in April.

When I first met Tavita six years ago in Samoa while on holiday, neither of us could have foreseen where we would be today. Progressing in a relationship since 2012, we were married in Samoa in 2014. Although Tavita did not have New Zealand residency at that point, we weren’t overly concerned about the political implications—we just knew we were in love and committed to each other; we wanted to take that next step.

Looking back, perhaps we were naïve. Our projections of the time and effort required to obtain a NZ visa for Tavita were underestimated. In the almost two years since we’ve been married, I’ve had to remain in New Zealand for work and other family obligations, and to continue to petition for his entry, which has yet to be approved.

Meanwhile my husband remains alone in Samoa—married, but with no wife to come home to. It’s been an extremely difficult time, but we’ve tried to keep our chins up and make it work as best we can. We talk daily, and I’ve saved meticulously to take every opportunity to visit him. Yet after almost two years of marriage, I have only been able to see him three times. It breaks both of our hearts.

As difficult as this situation has been with just the two of us, things are further complicated now that we are expecting our first child. I have mixed emotions. The excitement, planning, and anticipation have unfortunately been tempered with concern, worry, and anxiety about having my husband—the father of this child—so far away. We both believe in the strength and unity of a family, and that families should be together.

Although his visa work may take much longer than expected, I at least hope for the ability to take our son back to be with Tavita in Samoa for my maternity leave and his first three months. But further help is needed, and that is why I am here asking for help.

My goal is to raise enough money to fund our travel, so our family can be together, at least for a little while. Any and every amount would be gratefully appreciated.

Thank you in advance,

Love Vicky, Tavita, and Baby