Candace Owens Speaks at an event in the US in 2023.
Photo: AFP / ZACH D ROBERTS
Far-right US influencer Candace Owens’ Auckland event next year has been cancelled, after the commentator was earlier denied entry into Australia.
Owens lost her bid to enter Australia after the country’s highest court backed the government’s decision to deny her a visa over concerns she could “incite discord” in the community.
The NZ event’s venue Trusts Arena confirmed the event was cancelled some months ago, due to its controversial nature.
Trusts Arena chief executive Marcus Reynolds said the event had no ongoing association with the venue.
“We’ve reached out to the promoter and asked for The Trusts Arena details to be removed for their event page,” he said.
Owens, who is known for controversial views including downplaying the holocaust and claiming Muslims started slavery, was denied entry to Australia in October 2024 after she announced the speaking tour.
An online advertisement for the Candace Owens events.
Photo: Supplied
Groups, including Young Labour, urged the government to also ban her from New Zealand.
She had an application for an Entertainers Work Visa denied in November 2024, and had requested ministerial intervention.
At the time, Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk said the decision to overturn New Zealand’s ban was made after considering representations made to him, including the importance of free speech.
Promoters Rocksman told RNZ that Owens was “very keen” to come to New Zealand and continue her tour.
“This will likely be mid-year 2026.”
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