A Maori organisation's support for controversial boxer Mike Tyson's visa application has drawn the ire of political parties, who say the convicted rapist should not be held up as a role model for young Maori.
Former world heavyweight boxing champ Tyson, who spent three years in a US prison for a 1992 rape, is due to appear at the sold-out Day of the Champions motivational speaking event in Auckland next month.
However, his special visitor's visa was cancelled by Associate Immigration Minister Kate Wilkinson earlier this month only days after being issued, when it was revealed his support from a children's charity had come from a sole trustee acting off their own bat.
Tyson has now applied a second time, with the support of the Manukau Urban Maori Authority and its chairman, broadcaster and former MP Willie Jackson, despite opposition from women's groups.
Australia has given Tyson a visa for five speaking engagements.
The Green Party and Maori Party say it's a bad example for the organisation.
"When Maori men endorse an unrepentant rapist like Mike Tyson, it hurts women," Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei said.
She said while the Greens believed in the ability of offenders to acknowledge the harm they have done and turn their lives around, Tyson has expressed "hateful, misogynistic views about women".
"As recently as two months ago Tyson spoke about calling his one man show, which supposedly details how he has turned his life around, Boxing, Bitches and Lawsuits. He has joked about Sarah Palin being raped.
"He is not a role model, and Maori leaders should stop endorsing his hatred of women by calling him one."
Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples agrees, saying he has read reports that Tyson's presentation is "filled with sexist jokes and contempt for women".
"I do not want Mike Tyson telling our kids that the way he deals with his serious crime of sexual violence is by blaming the victim."
Jackson's organisation stands to benefit $60,000 if the event goes ahead.
NZN
