New Zealand

Mike Tyson Dept: Tyson had said he had been looking forward to meeting New Zealand s indigenous Maori people, the inspiration for his notorious facial tattoo. But now his whole Down Under speaking tour, scheduled for next month, is threatening to fall apart: Australian immigration authorities said they ve yet to decide whether to let him in, according to The Star. Tyson was to speak at a November event in Auckland, the Day of the Champions, which is being promoted by Sydney agency Markson Sparks. On Wednesday the agency continued to promote tickets for appearances in New Zealand and five major Australian cities and wELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND New Zealand canceled a visa for Mike Tyson on Wednesday because of his rape conviction, saying it reversed its earlier approval because a charity that would have benefited from his appearance says it wants nothing to do with the former heavyweight boxing champion. Tyson s 1992 rape conviction would normally prevent his entry in New Zealand and could be grounds for denial in Australia as well. New Zealand s denial came days after Prime Minister John Key spoke out against the visit. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.