Media Release

05 May 2011

Immigration Policy Lacks Human Touch

At a time when rural communities are struggling to retain core services like service stations, the plight of Northland business, Kapiro Auto Services, is hard to understand says the Motor Trade Association (MTA). Business owner, Martin Payne recently left the country after he was refused permanent residency, leaving the small community of Kapiro facing the prospect of losing another key facility.

Over the last decade, several hundred small, particularly rural and provincial service stations have been closed as fuel companies have sought greater efficiencies.

In this case though, it is officialdom that has been responsible for the forced sale or possible closure of a high performing business operation.

Martin Payne came to New Zealand under a Temporary Business Visa almost seven years ago, using his energy and financial resources to turn what had been a poorly performing and rundown facility into a thriving operation, employing locals and servicing the surrounding community. MTA applauds the support that members like Martin Payne have provided to communities through the development of what have often been marginal businesses.

MTA CEO Stephen Matthews said “We would have thought that Martin represented the type of entrepreneur that the scheme was set up to attract. He has come to New Zealand, brought his family with him, invested time, energy and money and built a great local business. Small communities all over the country need this type of enterprise, and it’s hard to understand why he has not been granted Permanent Residency.”

Matthews adds, the fact that more than 550 locals have been prepared to sign a petition asking Immigration Minister Kate Wilkinson to reconsider his case, is evidence of the standing Martin and his business enjoy locally.

MTA will be contacting the Minister’s Office directly, seeking clarification as to why a successful local businessman is being denied the opportunity to continue what has already been a very positive and welcome contribution to his local community. MTA is willing to advocate for one of its members.

“We understand that his case been reviewed by the Residents’ Review Board. Under the current law, they have no ability to waive this decision, but surely the contribution Martin has already made to his local community should count for more. In this case, the law looks to have been applied without any human touch – perhaps it’s time to review the law.” says Matthews.

ENDS