Sua WilliamSIO

Pacific Islands Spokesperson

25 February 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT

Deportation to cyclone-ravaged islands must stop

Immigration New Zealand must immediately stop deporting Tongan overstayers to the cyclone-ravaged islands of Haapai on humanitarian grounds, Labours Pacific Islands Affairs spokesperson Sua William Sio says.

It is inhumane for immigration authorities to deport a Tongan woman with a heart and thyroid condition whose doctor has said she is unfit to fly.

The woman, who doesnt want to be named, has told media the nearest hospital to her Haapai home doesnt have the facilities to treat people with heart problems.

Immigration New Zealand is putting her life at risk.

The Tongan Advisory Council has described the situation in the Ha'apai islands where 5000 people were displaced and 800 homes destroyed by Cyclone Ian as bleak.

Island residents are surviving on donations from the New Zealand Tongan community which has sent 10 container loads of food and water.

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Deportation to cyclone-ravaged islands must stop