Farming family to stay

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 27, 2 December 1986, Page 1

Farming family to stay

The Gardner and Ball families of Ohakune spent Tuesday quietly celebrating the good news that they have finally been granted permanent residency in New Zealand, after four years of fighting for what they considered was their right to stay and farm their Waimarino property. The family, originally from England — Jane and Tom Ball, and Mrs Ball's parents Charles and Anne Gardner — have justified their claim for residency by carrying out valuable research into four-teated ewes and multiple lamb births on their Tohunga Road farm. Mr Gardner had earlier been given leave to stay in New Zealand just as long as it took to sell the family's sheep farm. Hopes soared in August this year when a new Government immigration

policy initiated by Immigration Minister Kerry Burke came into effect. The policy stated that overstayers who had arrived in New Zealand prior to 14 August 1983, would be granted permanent residence. Confirmation of this was received by the family's solicitor on Tuesday, in the form of a letter written by Mr Burke announcing the issue of permanent residence to the three applicants and their respective families. Both families have plans for a big celebration which may be combined with the traditional Christmas celebration. All family members are today looking relaxed and happy with the pressures of the last four years finally over. Long-term plans can now be made concerning the children of the two families, including 19-year-old Sue Gardner's first year studying

law at Victoria University, next year. As well as the worry of imminent deportation there was also the added worry of Jane and Tom's son Robert who, at two years of age, received open heart surgery at Green Lane Hospital. He is now in good health and full of energy. Future plans include the arrival of the Gardner's two sons from Britain who will take on some of the labour involved in running the 4500 unit sheep farm. The families extend their sincere thanks to everyone who supported them and their cause since their arrival in Ohakune and express their thanks for the kindness they have received from the Waimarino community as a whole. "We have so many friends around the area and around New Zealand that it is hard to try and thank everyone," said Mrs Gardner.