The 37-year-old Queenstown woman, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, tearfully announced at the resort's Relay for Life at the weekend that her working visa would not be renewed.
It was a devastating blow for the Brazilian ex-pat, who has lived in the resort for three years, and whose husband, Armindo Machado, is New Zealand resident.
"Once again I am feeling quite isolated and scared about what our future holds.''
She is required to leave New Zealand by April 3 but she will not be going without a fight.
A petition was circulated at the event, and online, to convince officials to allow her to stay.
As of yesterday, more than 5500 had signed.
"We would like to ask for an exceptional approval to apply for a medical waiver for a partner of a New Zealand resident visa so that I can stay with my husband.''
After Ms Costa's announcement, Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult took to the Relay for Life stage and said he would be writing to Immigration Minister Iain Less-Galloway to tell him "don't be dopey''.
"Some decisions by government kind of make my blood boil,'' he said.
His comments were made to hundreds of people, who turned out for Queenstown's first Relay for Life.
The event opened on a sombre note, as Mr Boult led a moment of silence for victims of the Christchurch terror attack.
After that, cancer survivors took to the track for the first lap, beginning 24 hours of solidarity and fundraising.
Queenstown Relay for Life event manager Shantelle Cockroft-Gerken believed about $150,000 was raised.
"We're absolutely blown away, we never expected that much.''
"It has been amazing, there was such a positive, really amazing, uplifting vibe.''
Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker was due to walk the full 24 hours but pulled out in the wake of the Christchurch attacks.
