US media commentator Candace Owens has been granted entry to New Zealand after Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk overturned Immigration New Zealand’s decision to deny her a visa.
Initially barred due to her exclusion from Australia, Owens requested ministerial intervention to review her case.
Owens’ speaking tour, which was delayed due to visa complications, will now proceed on February 28 at the Trusts Arena in Henderson.
The Free Speech Union hailed the reversal as a “huge win” for Kiwis’ right to hear diverse opinions, with Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling commending Penk for his principled stance.
Owens had faced calls from leftist groups such as Young Labour to also block her entry into New Zealand.
The Free Speech Union highlighted the dangers of censorship, arguing that silencing speakers like Owens often amplifies their message and interest in their work. Ayling urged critics to engage in counter-speech and peaceful protest rather than cancellation.
One of the most beautiful women I have ever seen.
Another nut job in a skirt will attend with a can of tomato juice. My advice to security; shoot on site.
If people aren’t free to voice opinions the country is screwed
Unquaccinated. are you afraid of her intelligence
Wonder if NZ Police will warn the venue holder the night of the event that they have “credible evidence of a bomb threat” just like they did with Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux visit. Did the venue holder reimburse ticket holders of the canceled even? or were the speakers left short? Dirty tricks.
Was is politicized police interference under the Ardern Govt. or does Policing policy change with change of Govt?
And they wonder why there is loss of public trust and public consent in the NZ Police “force”.
Freedom of speech. A vital component. Kudos to the Minister of Immigration.
Whoever heard of free speech being censored in this country before?
Our fathers and grandfathers fought to retain this right. No parliament has any right to censor free speech.
Candace Is a brave and beautiful Being. A shining light.
You may or may not agree with what she may say – and I may or may not either – but we have the right to hear it.
Candace: Welcome to New Zealand I pray that our people give you as warm a welcome as your people have always done for us
when we have been in your country.
With love