MPs concerned over Tyson's second visa attempt

The Green Party's red lighting Mike Tyson's renewed efforts to get a visa.

The former boxer and convicted rapist has submitted another application as he seeks to enter the country for a speaking event next month.

Green MP Jan Logie says international practice is consistent, that there be immigration restrictions on people who've committed violent crime.

"Just because somebody's wealthy, they shouldn't have fewer consequences for their crimes."

Ms Logie says Tyson's denied responsibility for his conviction and has made misogynistic comments about women.

Meanwhile, Labour's appalled that after revoking the first visa application for Mike Tyson, the Government's considering a second one.

The Manukau Urban Maori Authority has offered its support for the visa, contending that Mr Tyson has a message for disadvantaged South Auckland youths.

But Labour MP for Mangere Su'a William Sio is suspicious about Tyson's motives.

"I don't think he's at all remorseful about what he's done and I think when you look behind the basis of why he's coming to New Zealand, it isn't about changing lives, it isn't about turning young people around, it's about making a buck."

Mr Sio says Tyson has no idea about the problems New Zealand youth face.

A group opposed to Tyson's latest visa bid says New Zealand doesn't need him.

But Denise Ritchie, from the anti-sexual exploitation group, Stop Demand Foundation, doubts his one man show will reveal a reformed man.

"It's going to be full of rape jokes, jokes about menstrual blood, domestic violence and even references to people who have been seriously hurt by him including a former wife, and the teenager who he was convicted of raping. New Zealand does not need this man."

Ms Ritchie says any group which sponsors Tyson should be ashamed.

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