'Too fat' chef gives up immigration battle, wants NZ to send him his cat

South African born chef Albert Buitenhuis and his wife Marthie Buitenhuis are being sent back to their homeland.

The chef deemed "too fat" to stay in New Zealand has given up in his immigration battle, but is asking Kiwis for one last favour - help to bring his pet cat home.

South African Albert Buitenhuis' story was made public a few years ago when he claimed he'd been denied permanent residency because of his weight.

At the time Immigration New Zealand said his obesity - coupled with a pre-existing knee injury - could put too much strain on the domestic health system.

In the latest development it appears a last-ditch effort to extend Mr Buitenhuis and his wife Marthie's stay with another work visa has failed.

"Our visa was finally declined and we had to stop working at the end of October," he said. "Their reasons for declining us this time were I'm not seen as a bona fide worker and the employer did not do enough to get a Kiwi in the job."

Immigration New Zealand confirmed that a work visa application was declined on October 16.INZ area manager Michael Carley said he wasn't a bona fide applicant as he'd breached his previous work visa by not declaring a change in employer as required.

"He did not offer any acceptable or credible explanation for breaching the conditions of his visa and INZ is not satisfied that he will not breach the conditions of any subsequent visa."

He added INZ was not satisfied that Mr Buitenhuis' prospective employer had made a genuine attempt to attract a suitable New Zealand citizen or resident for the position.
"It [the job] was not listed with Work and Income, or advertised in a national newspaper or website, or with a recruitment agency."

Mr Carley said "ongoing medical issues" were not a reason for his visa being declined this time.

While the couple have given up on the Kiwi dream, their last request is for help bringing their cat, a rescue cat, back to South Africa.

"Mavis [the cat] became the child we could never have, " he said. "I don't want to entertain the idea that we might have to leave her. So please, if you can find it in your hearts to help ... it will be appreciated."

The couple left Pretoria, South Africa, in 2007 and arrived in Christchurch, where Mr Buitenhuis quickly found work. However, a bid for permanent residency in 2011 was denied.

After an appeal they were granted a 23-month reprieve to stay in the country in 2013, but that time has now lapsed. Rather than continue the fight, the couple is packing up their bags and heading home.

"We have been selling all our belongings to try and raise the funds to settle our affairs here and leave on a good foot."

However, Mr Buitenhuis said things were rather tough at present as every dollar they raised was quickly eaten up by their expenses. He said some amazing friends had helped pay for their tickets back to South Africa.

The couple were due to fly out on December 29.