Immigration New Zealand has rejected a work visa application from Candace Owens, citing her exclusion from another country.
Last month, Candace Owens’ Australian visa was revoked due to allegations of promoting anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Deborah Hart, chairwoman of the Holocaust Centre, voiced concerns that Owens’ rhetoric could exacerbate anti-Semitic sentiments in New Zealand.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has now rejected Owens’ application for an Entertainers Work Visa. Acting Deputy Chief Operating Officer Jock Gilray stated that the decision was made under section 15(1)(f) of the Immigration Act, which bars individuals excluded from another country from obtaining a New Zealand visa.
A 35-year-old Australian was scheduled to deliver an address at Auckland’s West Auckland’s Trusts Arena November 14 after last month she had her Australian visa canceled.
Candace Owens first gained attention as a conservative activist, joining *The Daily Wire* in 2021. However, her time there was cut short when she was fired in March for promoting anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. In the months that followed, Owens has become increasingly associated with Holocaust denial, especially following her comments on the October 7 attacks in Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. Her controversial views, which have sparked outrage in various communities, were notably referenced in the manifesto of the Christchurch mosque shooter.In August, Owens announced plans to tour Australia and New Zealand this month, but her Australian visa was canceled just before the tour began. This came as part of a wider backlash against her inflammatory statements. Owens, who is now 35, continues to face significant opposition for her rhetoric, which has drawn condemnation from Jewish organizations and other advocacy groups.
Australia’s Immigration Minister, Tony Burke, has strongly criticized Candace Owens for her controversial views, stating that her actions and statements could “incite discord in almost every direction.” Burke pointed to her history of downplaying the Holocaust, including comments about Nazi German SS officer Josef Mengele, as well as her claims regarding the origins of slavery and Muslims. He argued that such inflammatory remarks made her a negative influence, adding that “Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else.” This statement comes after Owens had planned to tour Australia and New Zealand, only to have her Australian visa canceled shortly before her visit.
Deborah Hart, chairwoman of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand, expressed deep concern over Candace Owens’ controversial statements about Jews, suggesting they echoed long-standing anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Hart criticized Owens for distorting historical events, such as her claims about Jewish involvement in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and her downplaying of medical experiments in Nazi death camps. She also pointed to Owens’ defense of rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) after his “Deathcon 3 on Jewish people” remarks, as well as her belief in the moon landing conspiracy.
Hart further highlighted the rising tide of anti-Semitism in New Zealand and voiced fears that Owens’ presence in the country could fuel this dangerous trend. This concern is not unique to Owens; in the past, New Zealand has denied entry to other controversial figures, such as Holocaust denier David Irving in 2004, and far-right provocateurs like Stefan Molyneux and Lauren Southern in 2018, who had planned speaking tours before their events were canceled.
Hart’s comments reflect growing anxiety about the spread of anti-Semitic rhetoric and the potential for figures like Owens to amplify hate in the public discourse.
