Chris Brown is preparing to engage immigration authorities over entering New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images
Chris Brown is preparing to engage immigration authorities over entering New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images
Superstar Chris Brown should be let in because he can help reduce domestic violence in New Zealand, says Dame Tariana Turia, former Maori Party leader, Cabinet minister and long-time worker to reduce violence in homes.
The backing for the musician comes as the question is raised over how much is enough punishment for the assault on his former girlfriend Rihanna in 2009.
The star has offered a number of public apologies, spoken against domestic violence and worked with domestic violence charities.
Dame Tariana, who has worked to reduce family violence for decades, said she supported Brown's entry to New Zealand because of the connection he would make to young people.
She said the state spent tens of millions of dollars on trying to reach the same group and "very little of it works".
"I think we should be prepared to be open to listening to others who are experienced in this area. We may not like his behavior at the time but I firmly believe he can get through to people who we would normally not get through to in the course of all the money we are spending and the programs we have got."
She said she spent years traveling the country, visiting homes, marae and prisons.
"Has that made one iota of difference? Probably not. I think we should be taking this opportunity hear from somebody who young people are far more likely to listen to than many others who get resourced considerably to provide programs to them."
"I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of forgiveness. I believe people can change. We continue to isolate people and make them believe there is nothing about them that is good - and we know that is not true.
"If Chris Brown was willing to come, willing to share some of his time with our young, I am sure would love to spend time with him, I can only think of the benefit to them rather than focus on what he did in his past."
'He's done the crime, he's done the time'
Chris Brown has spoken out about growing up in a house in which domestic violence was common, and offered a number of public apologies for the assault. Photo / Supplied
How much punishment is enough?
That's the question being asked by JustSpeak, a lobby group pushing for change in the criminal justice system.
JustSpeak spokeswoman Julia Whaipooti said there had been a "knee jerk reaction" to news of Brown's desire to tour New Zealand.
"It's contrary to 'he's done the crime, he's done the time'. In this situation, people are saying he's done the time but it's not enough."
The argument between Brown and his then-girlfriend Rihanna escalated into physical violence.
He was sentenced to five years of probation, one year of domestic violence counselling, and six months of community service in a case which impacted on the success of his music and his public profile. The probation came to an end in May this year.
During the six years between, Brown spoke out about growing up in a house in which domestic violence was common, and offered a number of public apologies for the assault.
He was also involved in two other violent altercations - this time with men he encountered in public - and had time added to his community service and probation.
Ms Whaipooti said no violence was acceptable but it was important to study what had happened beyond the initial assault.
"We should look at what efforts have been made since he has been convicted.
How long after that should a person be continuously convicted and punished for something they served time for?"
She said the answer to the question was key to reforming people by allowing them to engage again with the community.
Ms Whaipooti, who worked as a community lawyer including on domestic violence cases, said Brown's profile could send a positive message which reduced violence. "It's all coming back to how we reduce offending."
She said continuing to punish people for the crimes they had previously committed was unlikely to have that positive impact. She pointed to comments by former justice minister Judith Collins, who said Brown was not welcome because New Zealand had enough "wife beaters".
"This kind of reaction isn't conducive to reducing victimisation. It's repunishing someone and almost labelling them as someone who abuses and is always going to be bad. It's not helpful."
Women's Refuge chief executive Dr Ang Jury would not be interviewed on the subject but said she wanted to see what effort Brown had made to change.
"Does he have endorsements from Women's Shelters in America? What are the agencies involved in anti-violence in the USA saying about his 'changed behaviours'?"
She also said New Zealand should reject all musicians visiting this year with domestic violence issues.
The comments follow the Maori King's spokesman Tukoroirangi Morgan saying Brown would be welcomed by Tainui were he to be allowed into New Zealand.
The offer comes as Brown prepares to engage immigration authorities over entering the country on his One Hell of a Nite Tour.
"If he's able to get access into the country we would be seriously interested in hosting him," Mr Morgan said.
The Maori King, Tuheitia Paki, is currently ill. Mr Morgan said the King's son Whatumoana Paki would carry out hosting duties.
Mr Morgan also spoke about Brown's conviction for domestic violence against star Rihanna. He said: "I understand he has been through a major reformation process. He has a child. He has paid for his sins."
In 2009, an argument between Brown and his then-girlfriend Rihanna escalated into physical violence. He was sentenced to five years of probation, one year of domestic violence counselling, and six months of community service in a case which impacted on the success of his music and his public profile.
The offer came from spokesman Tukoroirangi Morgan. Photo / Dean Purcell
Even though a five-year restraining order was imposed by a judge, the pair's relationship seemed rekindled by 2013, although was soon after publicly declared over.
Jevan Goulter, who is acting for tour promoters Castor and Ford, said all support which could lead to Brown playing to fans in New Zealand is appreciated. "We look forward to responding to all invitations in the near future."
Controversy erupted in Australia and New Zealand over Brown's proposed tour. He has visited New Zealand previously, but his conviction in relation to the assault on Rihanna shifted opinion, with former Justice minister Judith Collins saying: "We've got enough wife beaters in this country. He should just bugger off."
