I suppose they have a right to do this because it is a sovereignty and immigrant choice issue. Your point that "Were the US to ban aids carriers from entry into the country on grounds of cost of care, I am certain New Zealand would be the first to loudly condemn the policy" is well stated though.
I do see this as another step toward socialism and control of people. I see this coming with our "war on fat" in the context of socialized (free?!?) medicine. I can see a day in the USA where a citizen can be denied rights or privileges (driving, healthcare, food, a seat on the bus, etc) because he is "too fat", but an illegal immigrant is given full rights and privileges at the first person's expense.
What a wacky world it is becoming. Thanks to the Rats, we are all growing older in a "tolerant" world that is becoming less tolerant of older and fatter people. Euthanasia anyone?
Although she can always opt to lose the weight if she truly does want to live her remainder in NZ. Being overweight does not have to be permanent.