KEY POINTS:
The government has eased the way for the grandmother of abandoned three-year-old Qian Xun Xue to arrive in New Zealand as early as tomorrow.
Qian was abandoned in Melbourne just over a week ago by her father Nai Yin Xue, now wanted over the killing of his wife Anan Liu in Auckland and stuffing her body in the boot of a car.
Qian's maternal grandmother Liu Xiao Ping is expected to arrive in Auckland as early as tomorrow.
Qian remains in in foster care in Melbourne.
Associate Immigration Minister Clayton Cosgrove told the Sunday Star-Times he had paved the way for the reunion between the toddler and her grandmother.
"I instructed officials to move heaven and earth to clear the way for her and her extended family to get to New Zealand," he said. "We have been working day and night to ensure she can obtain the necessary documents."
But the grandmother will not automatically get custody of the child who'll be in the care of Child Youth and Family until decisions are made about her future.
Qian's half-sister Grace, 27, also abandoned by Nai Yin Xue as a teenager in Auckland, may also seek custody and has formed the Little Pumpkin Trust to raise money for Qian's future.
Ms Liu's body would be released to her mother when she arrived.
- NZPA
