An 'alt right' speaking event planned to be held in Auckland has been cancelled by the venue operators.
That comes as Mayor Phil Goff sent a clear message that the pair are not welcome at Auckland Council venues.
"I just think we've got no obligation at all - in a city that's multicultural, inclusive, embraces people of all faiths and ethnicities - to provide a venue for hate speech by people that want to abuse and insult others, either their faith or their ethnicity," Mr Goff told Newshub.
"These individuals who want to incite hatred against others are, in my view, not welcome here," he said.
He tweeted a similar message.
Auckland Live, which runs the Bruce Mason Centre where the event was scheduled to take place, said the event was cancelled due to "security concerns" around the "health and safety" of the presenters, staff and patrons of the event.
That comes after Auckland Peace Action (APA) called on the Government to not allow the speakers entry to New Zealand.
"We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in Aotearoa who are opposing these fascists. If they come here, we will confront them on the streets. If they come, we will blockade entry to their speaking venue," APA member Valerie Morse said.
"It is imperative that this type of racism is given no room to be promoted and encouraged in Aotearoa."
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Canadian Lauren Southern was banned from entering the United Kingdom after displaying flyers reading "Allah is a Gay God" and "Allah is trans". She claims the flyers were part of a stunt proving Islam is homophobic.
In a trailer for the speaking event, Ms Southern asks whether Australia will continue to be a "victim of multiculturalism".
"Do you want to retain your culture? Do you want to retain your borders? Family? Identity? Or will the boats keep coming?" she asks.
Stefan Molyneux also shares his views in lengthy internet videos, including arguing race is tied to IQ and reportedly saying women are to blame for violent men because adults are informed by "dysfunctional early childhood experiences, which are all run by women".
There would be precedent for not allowing the pair entry. Musicians Odd Future was denied entry to New Zealand in 2014, after the group was deemed "a potential threat to public order".
As Ms Southern has already been denied entry to the United Kingdom, she is not eligible for a New Zealand visa unless she is granted permission specifically.
Immigation Minister Iain Lees-Galloway said Immigration NZ [INZ] is looking into the matter.
"I am advised that INZ is aware of the two Canadian nationals referred to and is assessing whether any action needs to be taken under the Immigration Act and Immigration Instructions."
Newshub.
