Controversial US commentator Candace Owens’ Auckland show postponed

Wednesday, 6 November 2024

Cactus Outdoor co-founder Ben Kepes says he, and many others in the Jewish community, have been subjected to hate comments, religious slurs and threats to safety.

Controversial right-wing broadcaster Candace Owens’ Auckland show scheduled on November 14 has been postponed.

Owens has more than 18 million followers on social media and a history of making controversial claims, including doubting the holocaust was real.

Her entry to Australia was recently blocked, with the country’s immigration minister saying her narrative had “the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction.”

Right-wing US broadcaster and Donald Trump supporter Candace Owens’ show in Auckland has been postponed.

Immigration New Zealand is still assessing a visa application from controversial right-wing broadcaster Candace Owens.

Owens, who has more than 18 million followers on social media, was due to give a speech in Auckland on November 14.

The Trusts Arena posted on its Facebook page that the show was postponed by the promoter.

Owens has a history of making controversial claims, including downplaying the Holocaust. She has also been accused of being anti-Semitic and homophobic.

Australia recently rejected far-right provocateur’s visa application with Australian immigration minister Tony Burke saying her narrative had “the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction.”

Young Labour’s president Ethan Reille published an open letter in October calling on the government to follow Australia’s lead and deny Owens entry to New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand’s deputy chief operating officer Jeannie Melville said INZ was still processing the application from Owens.

“Her application is being assessed against all relevant immigration requirements.

“All visa applicants must meet specific requirements, including a good character assessment that considers factors such as criminal convictions, deportation history, and potential risks to New Zealand's security, public order, or public interest.

“There is currently no provision in the Immigration Act to prevent a person travelling to New Zealand based solely on their previous expression of opinion and ideas.

“Immigration decision-makers have to weigh up all the factors and assess whether an individual presents a threat or risk to security, public order or the public interest and can be deemed an excluded person.”

The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand urged Immigration New Zealand to “carefully consider” granting a visa to Owens.