Jewish community wants 'pro-Nazi' banned from NZ

By ANNE BESTON

New Zealand's Jewish community wants a notorious historian, labelled pro-Nazi and a Holocaust denier, banned from entering the country.

British author David Irving plans to visit in September but the Jewish community calls the timing "unfortunate", with New Zealand's relationship with Israel at an all-time low.

"I have no doubt the Government will turn his request down," said Waikato Jewish Association president Professor Dov Bing.

"I think it's an added concern that his visit could create more mayhem and anti-semitic attacks on Jewish communities."

Prime Minister Helen Clark imposed diplomatic sanctions against Israel after two alleged Israeli spies were found guilty of trying to illegally obtain a New Zealand passport.

Mr Irving described the Prime Minister as having "balls" and said there was "huge interest" from ordinary New Zealanders wanting to hear him speak.

"At least I will not be travelling on a quadriplegic's stolen passport and wearing a balaclava and dark glasses," he said, in reference to the jailed Israelis.

Mr Irving would not reveal his plans for the two-week visit for "security reasons" but said he would be speaking at Wellington's National Press Club.

Mr Irving planned a New Zealand visit in the early 1990s but didn't come because he couldn't get into Australia. He said he visited here in 1986 and 1987.

He plans to research letters between World War II British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and New Zealand's Prime Minister at the time, Peter Fraser, during this visit.

"I will be coming there to research and I've also got a lot of friends in New Zealand, a lot of supporters," he said from his home in Florida. He also has a home in Britain.