A Kiwi cult icon wanting to retire to Katikati has been denied New Zealand citizenship.
Richard O'Brien, who has strong family ties to Tauranga, launched into international stardom when he created and starred in cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Although he was raised in New Zealand since he was 10 and a statue has been erected in his honour in Hamilton, it is understood Mr O'Brien is not allowed to retire here.
The 68-year-old spent his teenage years and early 20s in Hamilton and Tauranga before leaving in 1964 for London, where he now lives.
In 2004, a statue of his Rocky Horror character, the creepy butler Riff Raff, was erected at the site of a Hamilton barbershop where he worked.
However, he has been told he does not fit the immigration criteria.
O'Brien's siblings Robin Smith and sister Gillian Page both live in Tauranga.
Mrs Page said this morning she was angry and puzzled because the news was a shock to her.
"It's not like he's going to be a drain on society. I'm blown away," she said.
She questioned immigration's reasoning behind it.
Immigration requirements mean O'Brien would have to be aged 55 or under to be sponsored by either of his siblings for permanent residency in New Zealand, and have secured a job offer.
O'Brien told the Dominion Post he didn't understand.
"They build a statue of me and celebrate me as a New Zealander, but I have to go on my knees and do all sorts of things, and I'm probably too old."
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