Chris Brown gets some high-powered support

Musician Chris Brown is set to receive formal immigration backing from four Dames who came out and spoke in support of him coming to New Zealand today.

The four women who stepped forward to speak in Brown's favour had all been granted their noble titles for their contribution to our country.

In a gathering on a marae in Mangere, former women's refuge boss, Merepeka Raukawa Tait set out the women's views with the support of others from the National Urban Maori Authority.

Ms Raukawa Tait pointed to the dozen women gathered behind her and said they had all worked with families who had suffered domestic violence and with the perpetrators of those attacks.

Behind her were Dame Tariana Turia, who sparked the discussion among Maori women after her comments on Tuesday, and Dame June Mariu, along with Dame June Jackson.

She said they would look to Brown to show "strong leadership on the scourge that is domestic violence".

"He has said himself, he has changed his behaviour and is willing to talk about the impact that assault charge has had. We believe having done the crime and done the time he should be allowed to enter our country.

"We do not believe you should kick someone to the curb, just because they have an assault charge against their partner."

Ms Raukawa Tait said all whanau had to support family members who had committed such assaults to make sure that they did not happen again.

"That's why we do support Chris Brown coming into this country. If he has said he is a changed person and he is prepared to put out that message, why wouldn't we use him? Why wouldn't we take advantage of him?"

She said the group wanted to offer formal immigration support to assist Brown's bid for entry to New Zealand.

Ms Raukawa Tait said the support of the group came with empathy for the victims of domestic violence and a rejection for the violence itself.

Dame Tariana, addressing questions about Brown's lyrics, said she did not support the style or language used, but said that it was the way that young people today spoke.

Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi was not present, but sent a statement in support, in which she said she would be supporting Brown coming into the country.

Also supporting the group was Lady Tureiti-Moxon who was also not present.