KEY POINTS:
An MP is supporting a Chinese cultural performance with Falun Gong links.
The shows organisers have accused the Chinese Consulate of trying to discredit the show.
Green MP Keith Locke said he was concerned at the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, which he said was part of a larger pattern of human rights violation by the Chinese Government.
"I will be attending the concert, both because it is reported to be a good spectacle and to show my rejection of any Chinese Embassy influence to stop dignitaries attending," he said.
"Last year, pressure was put on the local body leaders not to attend."
Although none of the mayors attended, organisers said that about 40 VIPs, including several parliamentarians, attended the show last year.
VIPs were reported to be steering clear of the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular again this year - but organisers say this isn't true.
Spokesman Jay Zelaya said: "We have invited guests to attend this year's performance and many have accepted."
He also said there had not been any private meetings with VIPs and that the organisers "are not trying to convince dignitaries to come to our world-class show" but "simply inviting them".
Mr Zelaya denied the Chinese Spectacular was a Falun Gong event and objected to the Herald's reference to the performance as a "concert".
He said it should have been referred to as a "world class performing arts tour".
It was also incorrect to say Malaysia and Denmark had banned the show.
Instead, the performance had been cancelled in those two countries because of harassment by the Chinese authorities.
In a statement last week, the organisers said: "The Beijing regime dislikes the Chinese Spectacular because it includes two acts depicting the illegal persecution of the meditation practice Falun Gong, which the Chinese Communist Party has brutally persecuted and sought to vilify since 1999."
The Chinese Spectacular, which is touring 65 cities this year, will start its performances in Auckland on Thursday.
