[MotherBear]

Hi Kiwij

Your posting on this thread will bump it back up again and draw attention to it, but it is somewhat of a specialist problem, so I doubt many people can offer assistance as they won't have been in a similar position or known anyone who has. It's also very difficult because the information we're getting is rather sketchy and not firsthand.

If this lady has been on Work Permits while in NZ she won't still be under a Visit Visa. The WP will take over from the VV, she can't be on both at the same time. Therefore, if she has held valid WPs up to date, she won't be classed as an overstayer.

If she is not an overstayer she should be free to leave NZ and re-enter again in the future, but whether she would be allowed to stay long term or not would depend on what type of visa she could get on her return.

Speaking with CAlB is a good move as they are on the spot and will know who to contact for information both about this lady's predicament with her husband and also her visa situation.