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Richard O'Brien
If the New Zealand-raised creator of the Rocky Horror Show wants residency here he should apply, Prime Minister John Key says.
The Dominion Post reported on Saturday that British-born writer and actor Richard O'Brien, 68, wanted to retire to Katikati near Tauranga, but did not qualify for permanent residency or citizenship.
He was appealing to Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman for help, it was reported.
Mr Key said today that after several media queries he checked and found Immigration New Zealand had received no application from O'Brien.
"My advice to Mr O'Brien is that if he wants to live permanently in New Zealand is to lodge an application with the authorities and it will be considered as are all other applications on our merits."
O'Brien came to New Zealand as a 10-year-old in 1952 and lived in Tauranga and Hamilton until he returned to London in 1964.
His siblings Robin Smith and Gillian Page live in Tauranga and his parents lived there until they died about four years ago.
His son came to New Zealand on a student visa and was applying for residency.
O'Brien said his application should be "rubber-stamped" because of his contribution to New Zealand.
