Right-wing Australian politician Pauline Hanson is being lined up to visit New Zealand for a public appearance expected to bring New Zealand's law on freedom of speech into question again.
Known mostly for her controversial views on immigration, she is the president of Australian populist party One Nation, which also lists anti-Islam, anti-multiculturalism and conservatism among their ideologies.
Auckland's Mayor Phil Goff told Newstalk ZB last week that she, like anyone else, is welcome to apply for venue hire in Auckland.
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"I don't agree with much of what Pauline Hanson has to say, but she's as free as anyone to apply to RFA (regional Facilities Auckland) for venue hire and they will consider it based on a range of grounds including security."
Ms Hanson has been invited to speak by retired businessman John Lehman, the president of the Government Accountability League, a group which has been inactive for 20 years up until recently.
The group supports of the same kind of tighter immigration laws as Ms Hanson's political party.
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Ms Hanson is set to speak on the deteriorating relationship between New Zealand and Australia, which Mr Lehmann blames on "backdoor" migrants.
In 1996 the group attempted to run a "New Zealanders only" meeting which was forced to allow all-comers when Pakuranga College and Manukau City Council refused to agree to the request.
According to Mr Lehmann, there is potential for a similar kind of meeting during Ms Hanson's visit which will stipulate kiwis only rule.
Her impending visit mirrors recent controversy with far-right Canadians Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux being blocked from using Auckland Council venues.
Newshub.
