The Vehikite family has launched a social media campaign urging the New Zealand government to reverse the deportation of Paea Vehikite, who was sent back to Tonga on Friday after overstaying his visa.
As reported by Kaniva News, Paea arrived in New Zealand in May 2009 but was unable to secure a valid visa, allegedly falling victim to an immigration scam.
Last month, the Rotorua District Court granted Immigration New Zealand (INZ) a warrant of commitment, leading to his detention and subsequent deportation.
During the court hearing, Paea’s wife, Kilisitina, broke down in tears, pleading with Judge John Bergseng to show mercy and allow her husband to stay. She also pleaded with the judge, saying she was in poor health and her life depended on her husband, Paea.
However, Judge Bergseng stated he had no jurisdiction to intervene, explaining that only the Minister of Immigration holds the power to grant such exceptions under the law.
Paea arrived in Tonga on Friday, where he was met by emotional family members at Fua’amotu International Airport. Kilisitina, a New Zealand resident, reportedly flew to Tonga yesterday to reunite with him.
Family Fights for Reunion
Now, the Vehikite family has taken their fight online, calling on Tongans and supporters worldwide to rally behind their cause.
A Facebook post by user Paea Napa’a, written in Tongan, detailed the campaign. The following is a translation of his post by Kaniva News.
He was encouraging people to share banners and messages on social media with the hashtag #BringPaeaBack, demanding that New Zealand authorities allow him to return and reunite with his wife.
Congratulations to family, friends, acquaintances, and all Tongans who feel love for Paea Vehikite.
Paea Vehikite arrived in Tonga on Friday morning. His wife, Kilisitina (Christina) Latu Vehikite, arrived on Saturday evening at 9:35 PM (Sat, 13 July 2024) on Air New Zealand flight NZ976, which departed Auckland at 5:40 PM and arrived in Tonga at 9:35 PM.
We ask for your support. If you have the opportunity, please come to Fua’amotu International Airport tonight to join Paea in welcoming his beloved wife, Kilisitina.
Take photos and videos with them—capture every moment.
If possible, bring signs or banners expressing your support and dissatisfaction with Paea’s deportation. Paea had already settled in New Zealand, and his wife remains there. Additionally, his wife is dealing with health issues, and we believe your support will help in the fight to bring him back home to Rotorua, New Zealand.
If anyone can contact journalists, that would be greatly appreciated.
We trust that you are aware of the legal proceedings against Paea and the circumstances of his deportation.
Your support will make a huge difference—not only for Paea and Kilisitina but also for other Tongans in New Zealand who face similar struggles.
Please share this message widely within our Tongan community.
This is the support we urgently need right now.
Thank you for your love, prayers, and solidarity.
