Zaoui has tearful family reunion via satellite link

Ahmed Zaoui

Ahmed Zaoui's eyes glistened with tears as his youngest son, Youssef, told how he dreamed of being a little ant who could sneak to New Zealand in someone's suitcase.

In an emotional screening of a pre-recorded satellite link between the Algerian refugee and his family, Mr Zaoui got to see and speak to his wife and children directly for the first time in nearly three years.

Filmed last week at a secret location in Southeast Asia, where Mr Zaoui's family are in hiding, the reunion was screened on TV3's Campbell Live last night.

Producer Carol Hirschfeld held a microphone out to Mr Zaoui's wife, Leila, and their four sons - Yousef, 7, Abdel, 14, Soheib, 17, and Hicham, 19 - who took turns talking to their father, who sought political asylum in December 2002.

Mr Zaoui told his family he loved them, missed them and hoped to see them soon.

His sons told him how they were playing soccer and had passed exams.

Tearfully, Mr Zaoui praised his "lovely family" and asked them to be patient.

When Youssef told him of his dream, his father told him: "If you keep dreaming we can fly together."

Mr Zaoui said New Zealanders were beautiful people and his family thanked the country.

In parting words, Mr Zaoui said: "Keep smiling Youssef, I think you are lovely ... I'm very happy."

The Government will not consider allowing Mr Zaoui's family to join him until the review of his security risk certificate is completed.