Immigration New Zealand has apologised for denying an international DJ entry to New Zealand before he could even get off the ground in Chile.
Hernan Cattaneo, an Argentine DJ well versed in progressive house music, was set to depart Santiago on Latam Airlines flight LAN801 to Auckland this morning for a packed Auckland show.
But as the time of his Karangahape Rd gig tonight moved closer, the musician was prevented from getting on the aircraft and remains in the Chilean capital.
“We are sorry for what has happened in this case,” said Immigration’s general manager of immigration risk and border, Richard Owen.
“Mr Cattaneo should have been allowed to travel to Auckland as he had the correct documentation to board the flight.
“We wanted to speak to Mr Cattaneo about a previous visa issue, but this should have been done on arrival in Auckland and would not have prevented him entering New Zealand.
“We spoke to the airline and confirmed he was able to board, however by then the flight had already closed. We are unclear as to why he was unable to board a later flight.”
Cattaneo broke the news to his fans on Facebook.
“Hi Auckland, I’ve got bad news,” he wrote.
“NZ Immigration didn’t allow me to board my flight from Chile due to [an] issue with my visa that is not under my control, and they didn’t give us enough time to resolve the situation or catch another flight that would get me there in time for the show.”
Cattaneo’s original flight departed Santiago slightly late and remains scheduled to arrive at 5.30pm, only without him on it.
LHi Auckland, I’ve got bad news. NZ Immigration didn’t allow me to board my flight from Chile due to issue with my visa...
Posted by Hernan Cattaneo on Wednesday 29 October 2025
The DJ said he had visited New Zealand several times before and had never experienced similar issues on past trips.
“This situation is completely out of my hands.”
Immigration said it acknowledged the impact these events have had and will be contacting the promoter directly to apologise for the disruption and consequences caused.
Cattaneo was set to play a four-hour set at Studio the Venue – an 1100-person space on Karangahape Rd – tonight, October 30.
Local talents Ramz V and Vic Lo would have also shared a back-to-back set before Cattaneo’s, which would have begun at 10pm.
The Auckland-based promoter confirmed the full cancellation of tonight’s show through Facebook.
“We regret to inform you that tonight’s event with Hernan Cattaneo will not go ahead as Hernan was not allowed to board his flight from Chile due to a visa issue,” Lost in Sound wrote.
“We have tried [including Hernan] every possible way to make this work, but unfortunately they have all failed.
“We have hosted multiple artists from across the globe for the past three years and this has never been an issue for us.
“This situation has been totally out of our control, and we understand the disappointment and disruption this will cause to you all and are so deeply sorry to bring you this news.”
Refunds would be processed “in the next 12 hours” with a confirmation email following shortly after, the promoter added.
Immigration NZ has been approached for comment.
Fans still wishing to see Auckland DJs Ramz V and Vic Lo live can attend Il Brutto’s Plan B instead.
Both have been rescheduled to play at the Victoria St East club alongside Musu, Nila, B-Angel and Boogie’s Brothers, with free entry until 10pm.
Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.
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