Rhonda Aylward waits for word her case will be heard by PM

Rhonda Aylward says she doesn't know what to feel after being told her case for staying in New Zealand will be put to Prime Minister John Key.

The New Plymouth mother was in Waitangi on Friday to confront Mr Key, a move she said was her last hope of avoiding deportation to South Africa for herself and daughter, Willow, 7.

The planned confrontation at Te Tii Marae by people "disenfranchised by the Government" was organised by former immigration minister Tuariki Delamere, now an immigration adviser and representative for Ms Aylward. However, when Mr Delamere got up to speak he was ushered away by a member of the prime minister's staff.

He later said he had been told by the staff member that Ms Aylward's case would be put to the prime minister.

The news was of little comfort to Ms Aylward, who yesterday said she was still waiting for official confirmation of the move.

"Until someone official actually comes to me and says it's going to be looked into, I'm not sure what to feel," she said.

Ms Aylward has been fighting Immigration New Zealand since 2006 to gain permanent residency for herself and Willow. Her son Cail, 5, is a New Zealand citizen and will not have to return to South Africa if she is deported.

A temporary work permit Ms Aylward was given last October runs out on Wednesday. She then has 42 days to leave the country or become an overstayer, unless another permit is issued.

Yesterday she reiterated a vow to stay put. "My permit finishes on the 10th but I'm not going anywhere," she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News