Hungary-bound after NZ birth

A Hungarian couple face deportation and a hefty medical bill from Hawkes Bay District Health Board when the woman gives birth in about two weeks.

The overstayers have been living on the Chatham Islands - making their healthcare Hawkes Bay's responsibility - but had to return to the mainland because the islands have no midwife and limited medical facilities.

Many Chatham Islanders oppose the deportation of the 25-year-old woman and the 30-year-old man.

Immigration Service spokeswoman Trish Green said the couple arrived in September last year and their visitor permits expired in June.

Officials were talking to the couple, who were likely to be deported to Hungary once the baby was born. However, they could not be removed until their six-week right of appeal had expired, she said.

Chatham Islands councillor Lea Clough said most islanders would be dismayed if the couple went back to Hungary.

"Some people say the law's the law, and they're no different to any other overstayers. But most I've spoken to say these are the sort of people we need.

"They're a hard-working, worthy young couple, and they want to make a go of life down here."

Mr Clough said the man had been working on a fishing boat, and the woman had a part-time job at a fish factory.

They were married last month at the police station in Waitangi - the Chathams' sole policeman is also the registrar, as well as the immigration officer and the search and rescue co-ordinator from the Chathams to Chile - followed by a reception at Mr Clough's home in Te One.

Hawkes Bay District Health Board chief executive Chris Clarke said the cost of a straightforward delivery would be at least $1900. A caesarean section would add about $1200 to the bill.

The couple would be billed after the birth.

The law

* Non-resident women pay for maternity care. The Government brought in new rules two months ago after it found more than 1600 had given birth in New Zealand in the 2002-2003 year.

* Children born in New Zealand are eligible for citizenship and free healthcare.


- NZPA