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Iranian chef Hossein (Thomas) Yadegary celebrated his first night out of prison in 30 months by attending a Catholic Mass in Auckland.
Mr Yadegary said he was overwhelmed after Catholic Bishop of Auckland Pat Dunn washed his feet and welcomed him during the Mass of the Lord's Supper at St Benedict's in Newton.
Other worshippers who knew him congratulated him on his release.
"It was a wonderful time ... I have not had the experience for the last 30 months," said Mr Yadegary.
He had been in Auckland Central Remand Prison fighting his deportation after making three unsuccessful bids for refugee status since arriving in New Zealand in 1993.
A convert to Christianity, he said Muslims who did so faced a potential death penalty in Iran. He was detained under the Immigration Act for the purpose of removing him to Iran.
However, he refused to sign an application for the Iranian passport that is required for his removal.
The District Court has periodically extended his detention.
But he was released on Thursday after a High Court decision resulting from his application in December for a judicial review of his detention.
Global Peace and Justice Auckland said Mr Yadegary had been detained without trial. "The decision brings into focus the appalling Government policies which kept an innocent man behind bars here for so long," the group said.
MP and Green Party human rights spokesman Keith Locke said Mr Yadegary could still face deportation, since Thursday's ruling on bail was separate from any final judgment on whether he could stay here.
"He has been released on very strict bail conditions that include a 7pm to 7am curfew and must report three times a week to the police.
"Thomas has been a model citizen since he arrived here and Immigration Minister David Cunliffe should allow him to live and work here," said Mr Locke.
At this stage, Mr Yadegary had no plans for the future except for an appointment with his lawyer on Tuesday. "I have been getting support from lots of people and I'm slowly settling down."
