Outcry as Chris Brown applies for NZ visa

Chris Brown has a long way to go before he has atoned for his past and should not be allowed to perform in New Zealand, says a family advocacy group.

The controversial R&B star is due here on December 18 as part of his One Hell of a Night world tour.

Brown's violent past - including assaulting his ex-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009 - means he cannot get into the country unless granted an exception under Section 17 of the Immigration Act 2009.

He applied for a work visa this week, Immigration New Zealand has confirmed. It will assess his application over the next few days before making a decision.

But he's facing opposition from Family First New Zealand, which today added its name to those who don't want to see Brown performing here.

National Director Bob McCoskrie asked Immigration NZ to deny Brown's visa, saying his behaviour since assaulting Rihanna proved he hadn't made amends.

"He obviously has not atoned for what he did ... the evidence suggests that he has a long way to go, unfortunately," said McCoskrie, who pointed to alleged drug use, assault claims and tattoos.

"His lyrics and actions demonstrate that he still has a long way to go in his rehabilitation - part of which is admitting and renouncing his crimes and attitudes, and changing his attitudes and language towards women," he says.

Others who don't want Brown to perform in New Zealand include victims advocate Ruth Money, White Ribbon spokesman Rob McCann and Women's Refuge chief executive Dr Ang Jury.

Brown has received support from former women's refuge boss Merepeka Raukawa Tait, Dame Tariana Turia, Dame June Mariu and Dame June Jackson, as well as church leader Brian Tamaki and gay performer Mika.

Brown was last here in 2008 for a show with Rihanna. He has recently had problems getting visas in England and Australia.

- nzherald.co.nz