The Motor Trades Association is applauding a decision to let a British mechanic who owns a Northland garage back into New Zealand.
Martyn Payne, 62, was accepted into the country on a long-term business visa in 2005 after having heart valve surgery in his homeland.
However, the Immigration Service turned him down for permanent residence because of concerns that his heart condition might prove costly for the health system here.
Mr Payne and his family had spent more than $800,000 on a run-down garage over a five-year period and turned it into an award-winning business.
After lobbying by the community, the Motor Trades Association engaged a specialist immigration consultant to work on the case.
Mr Payne, who's been waiting in Australia, has now been granted an eight-month work visa and told he can re-apply for permanent residence.
The association says he can be reunited with his family and get back to running the business he has worked hard to build.
