A New Zealand immigration official has reversed a ban on conservative political commentator, Candace Owens from entering the country.
Owens was initially refused an entertainer work permit to New Zealand in November because visas cannot be granted to anyone who has been excluded from another country.
Australian immigration minister, Tony Burke, barred Owens from the country in October noting that she had been promoting conspiracy theories, and antisemitism and has ignited controversy with her comments opposing Black Lives Matter, feminism and immigration to her audience of three million on YouTube.
According to a statement made by New Zealand associate immigration minister Chris Penk’s office, Owens had appealed the decision.
Penk granted her a visa "after considering representations made to him, including the importance of free speech”.
While Owens is allowed entry into New Zealand, she is still barred from Australia, despite being scheduled to speak at an event in several Australian cities in February and March.
Sydney-based promoter of the tour, Rocksman, welcomed the decision to allow Owens into New Zealand.
Owens took to X to thank Penk for letting her into New Zealand and said she would continue to fight to be allowed into Australia.