Sua WilliamSIO <\/p>\n
Pacific Islands Spokesperson <\/p>\n
25 February 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT <\/p>\n
Deportation to cyclone-ravaged islands must stop <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Immigration New Zealand is putting her life at risk. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Island residents are surviving on donations from the New Zealand Tongan community which has sent 10 container loads of food and water. <\/p>\n
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Deportation to cyclone-ravaged islands must stop<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 Continue reading