Raukawa-Tait says being black in the United States is not easy and there are racial undertones in the controversy surrounding Chris Brown‘s planned visit to New Zealand.
Advertisement
‘We believe that change can occur and we need a range of people to speak out and demonstrate strong leadership, ‘ she’s said: ‘We believe having done the crime and done the time he should be able to enter the country’.
Dames Tariana Turia, June Jackson and June Mariu along with Lady Tureiti Moxon and the former chief executive of Women’s Refuge, Merepeka Raukawa-Tait yesterday said they supported him coming to New Zealand.
However Nanaia Mahuta says, “Domestic violence is a serious issue in New Zealand and it’s disappointing that it should be used in this way”.
According to Stuff, Dame Tariana Turia, former co-leader of the Maori Party, also said she would support Brown’s entry to the country, as young people are far more likely to listen to him about domestic violence than they will their elders.
“Maybe one day Brown will prove to us that he respects women, and that his words to young people will be words and attitudes that show respect and value – that reject sexual violence and the objectification and denigration of women”.
Tickets for Brown’s December 18 show at Auckland’s Vector Arena are on sale, but a question mark remains over whether it will go ahead.
Under New Zealand’s immigration laws anyone who has been barred from another country or has previous convictions is ineligible for a visa unless granted a special exemption.
Brown isn’t eligible for a visa because of his 2009 conviction for assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna.
Advertisement
Judith Collins says Chris Brown can “bugger off”* Will Chris Brown be allowed to play in New Zealand?* Chris Brown sent to jail* Chris Brown: I’m off probation!
