The French national, originally from Strasbourg, arrived in New Zealand in May 2011 with her boyfriend Gareth Lander, originally from South Africa.
Ms David began working at Bonjour Cafe & Restaurant in Arrowtown - an authentic French cafe - where her bilingual skills enabling communication with the French-speaking staff and English-speaking customers earned her a job as cafe manager.
After three one-year work visas were approved, Ms David was shocked when her most recent application for a one-year extension was declined and she was informed she had 40 days to leave New Zealand.
''They didn't understand Bonjour needed a French-speaking manager, with experience.
''It was horrible. I was really stressed about what to do next - we had started to build a life here, we love it here.''
Bonjour co-owner Olivia Reinhardt said she was told by Immigration New Zealand to advertise the position, which she did.
There were no responses to the advertisement for a ''French-speaking Kiwi'' - necessary given two French chefs employed at the cafe do not speak English.
One French staff member did speak English, but had only been employed for a matter of weeks, so did not have enough experience to run the business, meaning Mrs Reinhardt worked four weeks without a day off.
The cafe's clients were quick to lend their support, with 200 signatures gathered for a petition to keep Ms David in New Zealand.
Ms David described the community support as ''a big fuzzy warm feeling''.
''That's why I love New Zealand, people are really friendly [and] they care about you.''
The two women also filed a Section 61 application with Immigration, designed for people who no longer hold a visa and therefore are illegally in New Zealand, urging them to reconsider the decision.
On October 23, Ms David received word her application had been accepted and she would not have to leave the place she now considered to be home.
''When I found out, I jumped all over my bed ... I screamed in the house ... It was a huge weight off my heart and my shoulders.
''We want to stay permanently in New Zealand, stay legally without any trouble.''
Ms David said she and Mr Lander, a courier driver, would now apply for residency to enable them to remain in Queenstown.
