“The minister made his decision after considering representations made to him, including the importance of free speech.”
Last month, Owens’ application for an Entertainers Work Visa was declined.
“Under section 15(1)(f) of the Immigration Act, an individual may not be granted a visa to come to New Zealand if they have been excluded from another country,” Immigration NZ said announcing its original decision.
Owens was set to give a speech at West Auckland’s Trusts Arena on November 14, but was delayed following visa troubles.
A spokesperson for Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk said the minister decided to reverse Candace Owens' visa denial after considering representations made to him, including the importance of free speech. Photo / Mark Mitchell
A spokesperson for Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk said the minister decided to reverse Candace Owens' visa denial after considering representations made to him, including the importance of free speech. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Owens began her career as a conservative activist, joining the conservative media company The Daily Wire in 2021 but was fired in March.
In recent months, the 35-year-old has been accused of questioning aspects of the Holocaust, spurred by her stance on the October 7 attacks on Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza.
In a statement, Free Speech Union chief executive Jonathan Ayling said the reverse was a “huge win” for Kiwis’ free speech.
“We applaud Chris Penk for doing the right thing and defending the speech rights of Candace Owens and all Kiwis,” he said.
“When someone is cancelled, it doesn’t just deny the speaker’s speech rights; it denies the rights of those who want to listen too.
“It’s up to individuals to decide who they want to listen to, not the Government. The associate minister has made the correct decision.”
In August, Owens announced a speaking tour of Australia and New Zealand was due to take place this month – but her Australian visa was cancelled at the last minute.
Australia’s Immigration Minister Tony Burke said: “Candace Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction.
“Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else.”
Holocaust Centre of New Zealand chairwoman Deborah Hart earlier said there had been a sharp rise in anti-Semitism in New Zealand, and was concerned Owens could further stoke that.
David Williams is an Auckland-based Multimedia Journalist who joined the Herald in 2023. He covers breaking news and general topics.
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