Convicted rugby player fights order to leave NZ

Taranaki rugby player Paul Perez is battling to stay in New Zealand after he was convicted of domestic violence.

The Samoa-born footballer was served with a removal order last week by the Immigration Service after his work permit was revoked.

Perez, 23, was last month found guilty of three domestic violence charges, relating to a May incident in which he choked and punched his pregnant partner. He is also facing another charge relating to an alleged assault last month, which is before the courts.

He said he was desperate to stay in New Zealand, hoping that a successful appeal of the removal order would give him a chance to prove he was not a violent thug. "I have made some mistakes which I do regret. Now I just want a chance for a new start and I hope people can accept that," he said.

Perez said he had been unfairly victimised by anti-domestic abuse campaigners and had hit out only after being severely provoked at the end of a volatile relationship.

- NZPA