Questions are being raised after Fleetwood Mac frontwoman Stevie Nicks' guitarist was allowed entry into New Zealand and Australia despite historic child pornography offences.
Robert 'Waddy' Wachtel was arrested in 1998 on suspicion of possession of child pornography. He pleaded no contest to the charges and he was placed on probation for three years.
He is currently touring Australia as the lead guitarist for Ms Nicks' band. As a result, Australia's immigration minister has come under fire to explain why he was granted a visa.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has defended its decision to allow Wachtel into New Zealand, where he will perform next week.
"Immigration New Zealand (INZ) can confirm that Waddy Wachtel has applied and been approved for a visitor visa to travel to New Zealand," says INZ area manager Marcelle Foley.
"In making this decision, INZ took into the account the short duration of his stay in New Zealand and that he had been forthright in his convictions.
"Taking into account all the circumstances and with a full understanding of the purpose of his visit, a visitor visa was approved."
Newshub.
