NINE-YEAR-OLD CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE VICTIM’S PRIMARY CAREGIVER BEING DEPORTED

On 7 March 2011, less than two weeks after the latest Christchurch earthquake, a nine-year-old Cantabrian, Kradsadaphon Oajwajee, suffered another tremendous catastrophe. Kradsadaphon received news that her father, and primary caregiver, Chayasazh Oajwajee, had been detained by Immigration New Zealand and awaited deportation.

Chayasazh and Kradsadaphon’s mother separated in 2009. Upon separation the couple agreed that Chayasazh would continue to be Kradsadaphon’s caregiver and have custody. Out of concern for Kradsadaphon’s wellbeing in Christchurch, in late 2010 Chayasazh moved to Auckland alone so that he could work and build a stable home for Kradsadaphon.

Kradsadaphon was due to move to Auckland any day now so that she could live with her father. However she cannot as her father is not at their house, he is in prison waiting deportation on 1 April 2011. Kradsadaphon’s life and home of Christchurch was damaged by the earthquake and now her chance at a new start is being demolished by Immigration New Zealand.

If Chayasazh is deported to Thailand he will be unable to return to New Zealand for at least five years. Like many Cantabrians, Kradsadaphon’s mother is struggling financially and could not afford to send Kradsadaphon to visit Chayasazh if he were to be deported to Thailand. Despite Kradsadaphon’s young age, she appreciates the gravity of the situation. Kradsadaphon has told Immigration New Zealand “I would feel sad if my Dad had to go back to Thailand, it would cost a lot of money to go there and visit him. I love my Dad, I want my Dad to stay in New Zealand”.

Chayasazh’s legal counsel, Frank Deliu and Richard Zhao, have begun proceedings in the High Court at Auckland regarding the decision to deport Chayasazh. The application for an injunction stopping the deportation awaiting the substantive hearing will likely be heard in the next day or two at the Auckland High Court. Also, an application has been made to the Minister of Immigration to intervene in Chayasazh’s deportation.

ENDS

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