Chris Brown cancels NZ-Australia tour after visa outcry

Chris Brown's has cancelled his tour of New Zealand and Australia, his promoter has confirmed.

Jevan Goulter, public relations executive with Mash Media, said the promoters "remain positive" that a tour will take place soon.

"Mr Brown wishes to express his deepest gratitude to the fans for their support and looks forward to a successful tour in the near future."

Refunds are available from Ticketmaster. Details are at www.ticketmaster.co.nz

Brown has had trouble getting visas for the tour.

It is understood the US singer's application for a visa to enter Australia was declined because of his domestic violence history.

And when Brown applied for a visa in New Zealand, there was an outcry because of his past.

He was due to play in Auckland 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.

But he did find backing from some of Maoridom's staunchest and most respected women, including former Women's Refuge boss Merepeka Raukawa Tait, Dame Tariana Turia, Dame June Mariu, Dame June Jackson and Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi.

The message from the group was captured by Dame Tariana, who said: "I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of forgiveness. I believe people can change. We continue to isolate people and make them believe there is nothing about them that is good - and we know that is not true.

"We may not like his behaviour at the time but I firmly believe he can get through to people who we would normally not get through to in the course of all the money we are spending and the programmes we have got."