Controversial former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has been granted a visa to enter New Zealand, despite his rape conviction.
Tyson is set to "peel back layers of tragedy and public turmoil while unfolding his tale of triumph and survival" when he speaks at the Day of the Champions in November in Auckland.
He could have been denied a visa, with immigration laws stipulating that no one who has been sentenced to five years or more in prison can be given one.
Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison in 1992 for the rape of an 18-year-old woman in the US.
However, the tour promoters, Australia's Markson Sparks, this week said Tyson had been granted a visa after being given special permission to apply for one.
Immigration New Zealand operations support manager Michael Carley said the special permission was issued under a section of the Immigration Act that allows exceptions to be given to a person who is not eligible for a visa.
"All visa applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and against immigration instructions, including requirements to be of good character," he said.
Tickets to the Day of the Champions event, on November 15, range in price from $69 to $395.
NZN