Chris Penk has reversed an earlier judgement denying Candace Owens an entry visa to New Zealand. Composite Photo / NZME
Chris Penk has reversed an earlier judgement denying Candace Owens an entry visa to New Zealand. Composite Photo / NZME
Associate Minister Chris Penk has overturned the initial Immigration New Zealand visa denial for controversial commentator Candace Owens.
Owens’ visa was denied last month following the cancellation of her Australian work visa.
Holocaust Centre chairwoman Deborah Hart expressed concern Owens could further stoke anti-Semitism in New Zealand.
Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk has stepped in and reversed Immigration New Zealand’s decision to deny a work visa for controversial right-wing commentator Candace Owens.
A spokesperson for the Minister said he granted Owens a visa following a request for Ministerial Intervention.
“Immigration New Zealand originally declined her visa application on the basis of section 15(1)(f) of the Immigration Act following Ms Owens being denied entry to Australia.
“Subsequently, Ms Owens requested intervention from the Associate Minister of Immigration to exercise his discretion and grant her a visa.
“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
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.
