October 05, 2012
Jackson says "He’s done his time"
The Manukau Urban Maori Authority has backed an attempt to bring former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson to New Zealand for a motivational speaking tour.
Tyson, who was jailed for rape in 1992 before coming back to win the WBA and WBC titles, was coming for a fundraiser for a branch of the Life Education Trust.
But Associate Immigration Minister Kate Wilkinson cancelled his special visa after the charity withdrew its support, saying the application was made by a volunteer.
MUMA chief executive Willie Jackson says Tyson has a message about turning around his life which would resonate with many young Maori.
His backing was on condition Tyson visited a marae in South Auckland and spoke to rangatahi.
See more: Willie Jackson: Opinion