[scampi]

I hope this question will test even the most ardent fans of this site (maybe not), just hoping for a definitive answer.

Story
Me, (main applicant), good lady and son decided to move to NZ following the usual job application and then immigration process. All was fine until our lovely son decided that his work and girlfriend were going to be affected by a 12,000mile move (perish the thought someone might say).

Blue stickers in passports were valid from the end of May 2007 until end May 2009, the usual two years. I came to NZ at the end of February 2008 and have been here ever since. Wife and son came out for a holiday in May 2008 for two weeks, then went back to the UK for work and to sell our house, son still not wanting to return. Both wife and sons passports were activated on entering NZ in May 2008.

In December 2008 I went back to the UK for two weeks to see family and collect my wife who now resides in the far north with me. Our lovely son has now muted that he might like to come out and be with us (lovely child, I mean young adult).

Question
What would be the latest my son could remain in the UK before flying out to NZ to be with us in order to still comply with the terms of his visa blue sticker???

Any thoughts would be helpful.

[Big Puku]

Does he then have a 2 year returning residents visa in his passport from his May '08 visit?

[scampi]

yes he does

[Big Puku]

So he needs to return to NZ before May 2010 I guess?

[scampi]

That was the part I was unsure about and wanted some help with. does he have two years from the first returning visa stamp at the point when he came over for the holiday??

[Big Puku]

Yes, his RRV should be dated for 2 years from point of first entry - so until May 2010 should be ok.

[scampi]

many thanks for that