Island pastor urges mercy for violent overstayer

By STUART DYE

A Tuvaluan minister in New Zealand has urged the Government not to "condemn a man to death".

The leader of the Auckland Tuvaluan Society urged Associate Immigration Minister Damien O'Connor not to deport overstayer Senee Niusila.

The 31-year-old was allowed to remain in New Zealand for lifesaving kidney treatment a year ago, despite pleading guilty to assaulting his wife.

He was discharged without conviction so he could continue having the dialysis treatment he needs to stay alive.

But last month he was convicted of beating his wife again and threatening to kill her. He will be sentenced on August 4.

The Herald has been inundated with calls for Mr Niusila to be sent home and National immigration spokesman Wayne Mapp also says he has "waived his right to stay".

But the president of the Auckland Tuvaluan Society, Reverend Suamalie Naisali Tafaki Iosefa, has asked for the case to effectively be turned over to the close-knit Tuvaluan community.

"Tuvalu does not have the medical ability to treat Senee. Sending him there is condemning the man to death."

Rev Iosefa said the 3000 Tuvaluans in New Zealand were a close group which would look after the Niusila family.

"There are three children involved and we need to do what is best for them. We can offer pastoral care and counselling."

Damien O'Connor said last night the welfare of the Niusila children, the youngest who is one year old, would play an important part in his decision-making.

A "raft of other issues" would also be considered as part of a report being prepared by the Immigration Service.

"Obviously he has not made the best use of opportunities available to him," said Mr O'Connor. "It's another difficult one."

The report is expected to go to Mr O'Connor within a few days.

Letters to the Herald have overwhelmingly called for Niusila to be removed from New Zealand.

"The taxpayer is sick and tired of forever paying to keep thugs in this country to the detriment of good New Zealand citizens who cannot obtain the healthcare they deserve," said one.

Another said New Zealanders were sick of "bleeding hearts preaching compassion".

But Rev Iosefa said Niusila, like many Tuvaluans, fell foul of a law that clashed with his traditional culture.

"In Tuvalu domestic violence is dealt with by the family and the community. Many of us are not used to it being something for the police and courts."

Rev Iosefa gave the blessing at Niusila's wedding to his wife, Moana, and said he knew the family well.

"He is a depressed young man who needs counselling, education about these issues and support from the community.

"We can provide that, but if he is sent home his life is finished."

Niusila was a shy man who found it difficult to express his emotions which, combined with his illness, was the root cause of the problems.

One of the few who contacted the Herald in support of Niusila said kidney disease and its treatment led to violent behaviour.

But Carmel Gregan-Ford, education manager of the New Zealand Kidney Foundation, dismissed that suggestion last night.

It could often lead to mood swings and depression, but in her experience rarely aggression.

"As far as causing depression and frustration, yes," she said,

"But I'm certainly not aware of any medical or scientific evidence that kidney disease or its treatment leads to violent behaviour."

Readers respond

Hitting your wife or any women while they are sitting breast-feeding a baby certainly comes under the heading of violence in its worst form. Final analysis: no prison sentence, just expel him.

Dave Arnott

I believe he should be temporarily separated from his wife and that he and she need separate counselling as well as anger management. It is easy to say "don't do it" but until he is given the tools to find other ways to handle his anger, he will just repeat his actions.

Christina Christiansen, Toronto, Canada

I agree with Wayne Mapp that he should leave the country, and that assistance may be given to his family to accompany him. Ms Woodroffe may like to tell us why the hell anyone other than Niusila should ensure he does not offend again and again.

Zelda Wynn

This lawless violent offender must be deported, he has violated this country's trust and humanitarianism. Why should the already overburdened taxpayer support him at the expense of hundreds of more deserving taxpaying, sick, genuine New Zealanders?

Ian Girven

Mr Niusila has no right to think he can get away with assaulting a woman, especially his wife. I say throw him in jail and then deport him.

Robin Brown

We can be sympathetic and humane about people with poor health, but allowing Niusila to remain irrespective of his abuse will send out the wrong message - if you're suffering from a medical condition, it's okay to abuse your wife. Niusila should take responsibility for his own actions.

Theresa Sitiene

Stop making him feel unwanted. He has a wife and child who are New Zealand citizens. He has rights to be here. Give him citizenship, and counselling to get to the root of the problems. Alcohol, poverty? Sort out these problems. Give him some community work as penance.

Michael McGahan

Your editorial comment "Niusila's wife, whether she admits it or not, is such a victim" sounds like social engineering at its worst, and your reference to the "You can't beat a woman" campaign emphasises your one-eyed perspective.

There is ample evidence in reputable research that women are at least as likely as men to commit violence in relationships.

Peter Manning