Immigration New Zealand have confirmed that the controversial activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, aka Posie Parker, will be allowed into Aoteroa after reviewing the potential risk to public order or public interest.
UK-based Posie Parker, is scheduled to hold and address rallies in both Auckland and Wellington this weekend, despite having had her visa waiver application reviewed after complaints that a similar rally she held in Melbourne drew neo-nazi attendance.
In a statement, Immigration New Zealand general manager Richard Owen said, “I can confirm that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has now finished reviewing the case involving Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull.
“After reviewing all publicly known information about Ms Keen-Minshull and seeking advice from other agencies we have concluded that there is no reason to believe that she is, or is likely to be, a threat or risk to the public order or public interest.”
Immigration Minister Michael Wood said he condemned Keen-Minshull’s, “inflammatory, vile and incorrect worldviews,” and stood alongside New Zealanders who used free speech against those who wanted to take society backwards, but the assessment was she meets entry criteria.
“Like many New Zealanders I would prefer it if Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull never set foot in New Zealand. I find many of her views repugnant, and am concerned by the way in which she courts some of the most vile people and groups around, including white supremacists,” he said in a statement.
“The decision on whether to suspend her NZeTA sits with Immigration New Zealand and they have assessed that she meets the criteria set out in the Immigration Act and regulations. This assessment took into account the events in Melbourne that occurred last weekend. I have been advised that this case does not meet the threshold for ministerial intervention.
“As we look towards her events for this coming weekend, the welfare and safety of our transgender community is front of mind. Event organisers maintain the primary responsibility to ensure they run a safe and secure event and police have advised they will also be in attendance to ensure public safety,” Wood added.
