The British owner of the Kapiro garage near Kerikeri has finally won his long-fought battle to stay in New Zealand.
Martyn Payne has been granted residency by the Immigration Minister Nikki Kaye in a last-minute reprieve.
The UK resident entered New Zealand several years ago on an entrepreneur's visa; invested close to $1 million in his business and home; and was then ordered to leave because of a heart problem.
The Kerikeri community and the Motor Trades Association lobbied the government to allow Mr Payne to stay, and he offered to pay for any heart surgery he might need in future.
But as recently as last month he was told by immigration officials he had to leave the country.
A family member says Mr Payne's residency was granted as a result of recent tests, showing a significant natural improvement in his heart condition.
