A South African chef facing deportation from New Zealand over health issues, including his weight, says it's a great relief to have been granted a reprieve.
Albert Buitenhuis says he's now being given a 23-month extension to his work visa.
The chef's case attracted world attention after reports he faced deportation because of obesity.
But Mr Buitenhuis, who says he's cut his weight from 160kg to 125 kg, says the main health problem is osteoarthritis in his knee.
He says the visa extension specifically bars him from getting any publicly funded health care for a knee replacement, and he will pay for a private operation as he works for acceptance to stay here permanently.
"We're really happy about it; it's such a relief for us," he says. "At least we can go back to work now and start earning again."
