Hi, I am new here and hoping someone out there in the www may be able to assist me in my plight.
I am a dad, my daughter will soon be four. New Zealand is her "habitual country of residence." I was living there up until I was deported, almost 2 and 1/2 years ago. She was one when that transpired. So does anyone have any knowledge as to how I can have access to her and arranged to go to the courts in attempts to get joint custody?
I really don't know what to do.?

I think you need to look up a New Zealand Consulate in or around your area. They will give you the information you need to file for custody abiding by their laws.
Make sure you have an address of her residence and any paperwork proving you're the father.
I hope that helps.
Keep in touch

Hi, Grizz,
I am not a Lawyer, but I do suggest you see one. He/she could give you their professional opinions on how to proceed, who to talk with, and what to do.
I do wish you the best, and good luck.

It's hard to advise you without some more information. I assume that New Zealand is your daughter's place of legal residence at this time. What is her country of citizenship? What about yours? How about the mother? Was the mother ever authorized to take your daughter to New Zealand or was she born there? A lot hinges on how cooperative the authorities of New Zealand are willing to be. You say that you were deported from that country. That being the case they might not be too eager to help you obtain visitation and/or joint custody rights. Try contacting a consulate from New Zealand in your current country of residence if one's stationed there and inquire into what legal assistance might be available to you in helping you get awarded the rights you seek.