Los Angeles rap collective Odd Future was barred from New Zealand by a section of law never used to stop musicians coming into the country before.

Immigration NZ border operations manager Karen Urwin told National Radio “This is the first time this has ever been applied to a group of musicians.”

“We have historically used this same section to refuse entry to, the sort of people would be Right-wing extremist groups, sort of Ku Klux Klan.”

“Immigration’s not seeking to become the morals police of New Zealand.”

Immigration NZ denied it had set a precedent with the move, but acknowledged the piece of legislation had previously been used [before] to bar people such as as Right-wing extremists.

Odd Future were to support Eminem in the Rapture event at Western Springs in Auckland tomorrow night. They were to have replaced one of the show’s top attractions, Kendrick Lamar, who pulled out early this month.

Immigration NZ banned Odd Future just two days before the concert. It used a section of the law that allows authorities to deny entry where there is reason to believe there is, or is likely to be, a threat or risk to public order or the public interest.

For more go to source:

Odd Future first musos to be hit by law. Story by Michael Daly. Published 14/02/14

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/9718905/Odd-Future-first-musos-to-be-hit-by-law