Chris Brown has tweeted his thanks to Dame Tariana Turia for coming out in support of his planned tour of New Zealand.

The tweet says there's nothing more amazing than strong women - thank you to Dame Tariana Turia and everyone who showed their support in NZ.

Nothing more amazing than strong women. Thank you to Dame Tariana Turia and everyone who showed their support in NZ. http://t.co/eYfKmKxU5h

— Chris Brown (@chrisbrown) October 2, 2015

On Facebook Brown says ....much love to Dame Tariana Turia who has been vocal that I have something important to say in giving young folks hope and inspiring them to be the best they can be, and to treat each other with respect.

A number of high profile Maori women leaders have waded into the debate over whether the rap star should be allowed into the country after being convicted of domestic abuse against his former partner pop star Rihanna.

Dame June Jackson, Dame June Mariu, Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi, Lady Tureiti Moxon and former Women’s Refuge CEO Merepeka Raukawa-Tait are also supporting the singer's application to enter New Zealand.

Ms Raukawa Tait says sadly, domestic violence is a major problem with Maori but Brown's appeal to young people is a chance to show them people can change.

"We believe that having done the crime and you've done your time, then he should be allowed to enter our country."

Raukawa-Tait says being black in the United States is not easy and there are racial undertones in the controversy surrounding Chris Brown's planned visit to New Zealand.

"Of course there's an element of race in it we can't deny that, we are focusing on the positive we want to make sure that if there's a message to be heard that it is heard loud and clear and that people understand that violence towards women is totally unacceptable."

She says the women will welcome him with a powhiri to their marae and would then expect him to address youth about his past indiscretions and what he's learnt.

Labour M.P Nanaia Mahuta is not convinced and believes the tour promoters are trying to influence the outcome of a visa application, promote the tour and sell tickets.

She said domestic violence is a serious issue in New Zealand and it's disappointing that it should be used this way.

Mahuta says if Chris Brown does come to New Zealand his performance fees should be donated to appropriate domestic violence services.

It will be up to the Minister of Immigration whether Chris Brown can accept an invite to attend a marae.