Rape conviction knocks out Tyson trip

Former boxing champion Mike Tyson has been banned from a visit to New Zealand, the country that inspired his Maori-based facial tattoo.

His visa was cancelled because of his rape conviction, days after prime minister John Key spoke out against the visit. Immigration minister Kate Wilkinson said she was also influenced by a charity that would have benefited from his appearance wanting nothing to do with Tyson.

Tyson said he had been looking forward to meeting New Zealand’s indigenous Maori. But his whole Down Under speaking tour, scheduled for next month, was threatening to fall apart: Australian immigration authorities said they have yet to decide whether to let him in.

Tyson’s 1992 rape conviction would normally prevent his entry in New Zealand and could be grounds for denial in Australia as well.

Tyson was to speak at a November event in Auckland, the “Day of the Champions”, which is being promoted by Sydney agency Markson Sparks.

The agency was continuing yesterday to promote tickets for appearances by Tyson in New Zealand and five major Australian cities.

Ms Wilkinson said in a statement her approval was “a finely balanced call”, but then the Life Education Trust charity withdrew its support on Tuesday.