WELLINGTON, Sept 7, 2010 (AFP) - Riff Raff has been granted residency in New Zealand after The Rocky Horror Show creator waged a lengthy battle to move to the country where he came of age, his immigration adviser said Tuesday.
Richard O'Brien, the 68-year-old British-born creator of the cult musical, wanted to retire to New Zealand but was told in June he did not fit the criteria for citizenship or permanent residency.
The decision sparked a Facebook protest that attracted more than 3,500 members.
O'Brien's immigration adviser Dion Smart said authorities in Wellington had overturned the decision, clearing the way for him to move to New Zealand.
"They've given him residency. His passport will be stamped this week," Smart told AFP.
O'Brien, who lives in London, wants to move to the small North Island coastal town of Katikati, where he owns property.
He came to New Zealand as a 10-year-old when his family emigrated from Britain in 1952 and spent 12 years in the country before moving to London.
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