Amanda Kenny, who is fighting the immigration service to stay in New Zealand, has been given breathing space reports ic Wales.

Originally from Wales, Mrs Kenny had been given just 30 days to prove her nine-year marriage is not a sham. The length of their relationship and the fact they have two young children were not considered conclusive by the NZIS. Mrs Kenny now has 6 months to prove her marriage is genuine. The NZIS says it will be able to process the information it requires in two months.

The NZIS requires proof that Mr Kenny, a New Zealander, plans to work while in New Zealand, proof the couple both owned their house in the UK and a letter verifying they have a bank account with the Bank of New Zealand.

Mary Anne Thompson of the Department of Labour said the case and it had not been handled improperly. Marriage to a New Zealander did not automatically give a non-New Zealander residence in the country.

“Since 2003 we have prosecuted 20 people on charges relating to false or misleading documents being submitted in support of a residency application based on a relationship.

“Marriage fraud is a real issue for New Zealand, as it is for many other countries, and we need to ensure that every application is genuine.”