Several hundred people in Queensland marched through the centre of Queenstown on Sunday in support of a Sri Lankan family facing deportation.
According to Radio New Zealand, an appeal has been lodged with the Immigration and Protection Tribunal on behalf of Dinesha Amarasinghe, her husband and their three sons after their visas were revoked.
Problems arose when Mrs Amarasinghe was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Today's march was organised by National MP for Clutha-Southland, Hamish Walker, who said he will meet with the Associate Immigration Minister to discuss the case.
Pic courtesy Radio New Zealand
"The kids are okay at school but what I am asking for is a work visa be issued to Sam so he can work while the case is before the tribunal. It's very unlikely the minister will intervene with the tribunal so this is really just a march of support."
Hamish Walker said the family were an important part of the Queenstown community.
A Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the No. 72 squadron has crashed into the Madhuru Oya reservoir this morning, Air FOrce Media Spokesman Eranda Geeganage said.
Update: Five of the twelve passengers on board the bell 212 aircraft that crashed into the Maduru Oya today, have succumbed to their injuries, the SLAF said.
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