New Zealand Young Labour is calling on the Coalition Government to deny entry to far-right commentator Candace Owens, who is scheduled to visit Aotearoa in November 2024. Young Labour’s President, Ethan Reille, warns that Owens’ record of divisive, hate-filled rhetoric threatens New Zealand’s values of inclusivity and compassion.
“Aotearoa is a nation built on manaakitanga, kindness, and acceptance,” said Reille. “But our commitment to tolerance cannot extend to those who seek to undermine it. Candace Owens’ views are not merely controversial—they are dangerous. We must protect our communities from rhetoric that empowers divisive movements. Allowing her a platform here would fail to uphold our core values. We call on the Government to act with courage and safeguard a diverse, unified Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Young Labour draws parallels between Owens and previous far-right visitors, such as Lauren Southern and Posie Parker, whose presence in New Zealand led to increased tensions and the normalization of hate speech. Owens’ influence extends to extremists, including the March 15 terrorist who cited her in his manifesto. Her visit, Young Labour argues, would embolden hate driven narratives and undermine New Zealand’s commitment to diversity.
In a letter to Minister of Immigration Hon Erica Stanford, Young Labour outlined the following demands:
Immediate Ban on Candace Owens – Deny Owens entry, citing her harmful rhetoric and documented influence on those spreading hate speech.
Enhanced Security if Entry is Permitted – Ensure visible police presence and security at public events to protect vulnerable communities and deter hate speech.
Increased Support for Anti-Hate Initiatives – Strengthen funding for organizations that counter hate speech, promote social cohesion, and educate against divisive rhetoric. Stricter Entry Restrictions on Hate Speech Advocates – Prioritize public safety by restricting entry for individuals who incite division and disrupt social harmony.
“Aotearoa is known for compassion and unity. This is our moment to reaffirm that and show the world we are serious about protecting our multicultural, inclusive society,” Reille added. Young Labour remains committed to advocating for a safe, inclusive Aotearoa and welcomes further dialogue with government officials on these urgent issues.
Young Labour – Really? Disagree with someone, so ban them?
I know, right.
The most concerning thing about this press release is Young Labour don’t even seem to realise how dangerous and authoritarian (not to mention, off-putting) they now look calling for this ban.
They are far from living up to their rhetoric of kindness and acceptance.
Why any politically-minded young person would want to belong to today’s Labour Party apart from reasons of base careerism is beyond me, but that’s another question.
Ban Candace Owens? Controversial leftist Vijay Prashad is also due to visit NZ soon. Ban him too lest he “incites division and disrupts social harmony”?
I didn’t know either of these two before now, so I have watched them both speak their “truths” on a few videos.
My conclusion –
Vijay Prashad is an historian, who has written multiple books, spouting facts.
Candace Owens is a journalism drop-out grifter spouting bullshit.
It’s as simple as that.
Interesting discussion (in the link below) re some of the dangers of being woke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbV6iW26h-Q
I have no idea who this Candice person is, but I guess some people disagree with her views, similar to Posie Parker. The upset/trouble when Posie Parker came to New Zealand was not of her doing. No doubt the same busybodies will get upset with this Candice person. What next? Rapists demanding that young women wearing skimpy outfits should be arrested, because some men are unable to control themselves…
Bring her on.
She’s one of the few creatures I’d drive the 250km to protest against.
She’s thoroughly vile.
The aussies have banned her – “Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else.”
Let her in – we can all turn up and tell her she is a grifter, and laugh at the people who gave her money.
Could someone just relay something Candace Owens has said that is so terrible on the condition it is quoted fully in context.
Seems to me she is a very effective speaker against the Israeli/Biden slaughter of Gaza.
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