Janice R. Andrews
Conservative U.S. commentator Candace Owens has been refused entry to New Zealand for a planned speaking tour, immigration officials confirmed on Thursday. This denial follows a similar decision by Australia just weeks earlier, due to her controversial statements about the Holocaust.
Owens, a vocal critic of Black Lives Matter, immigration policies, and vaccines, was scheduled to speak in Auckland and several Australian cities in early 2025. Despite the visa denials, tickets for her events are still being sold, although the promoter’s website has not yet acknowledged her inability to enter either country.
Australia rejected Owens’ visa in October, with Immigration Minister Tony Burke stating that her comments on Holocaust denial and other inflammatory topics could incite social unrest. “Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is elsewhere,” Burke added. The ban received support from Jewish advocacy groups in Australia.
In New Zealand, Owens’ visa was denied based on a legal provision that prevents issuing visas to individuals already excluded by another country. Jock Gilray, a spokesperson for the country’s immigration agency, confirmed that Owens was turned down for an entertainer’s work permit due to this rule.
Owens has faced widespread criticism for promoting conspiracy theories and making controversial remarks, including downplaying the Holocaust and opposing U.S. support for Israel. She also parted ways with The Daily Wire earlier this year after a fallout over her comments.
Despite the bans, Owens had billed her upcoming tour as an opportunity to discuss free speech and her Christian faith. Critics, however, question her sincerity given her past remarks.
Neither Owens nor her Australian promoter, Rocksman, have responded to the visa rejections.
The bans highlight the growing international pushback against divisive rhetoric, with countries like Australia and New Zealand taking action to uphold social cohesion and historical responsibility.
