Tyson's visa canceled

Life Education Trust (NZ) Inc. became aware yesterday afternoon of a letter supporting Mike Tyson’s Visa application.

The promoter of the Mike Tyson event approached Life Education Trust (NZ) in August seeking whether Life Education Trust (NZ) would like the opportunity to be a charity
partner of the event.

The Board of Life Education Trust (NZ) considered the offer at its meeting on August 24 and declined to be involved. The Chief Executive of Life Education Trust (NZ) advised the promoter of our organisation’s decision to decline any involvement, that same day in August.

Yesterday, upon a query from a member of the public and with support from Immigration New Zealand we became aware a letter of support had been submitted by one of our volunteer Trustees on behalf of the organisation. They had sought the opportunity for one of our local Trusts as part of their fundraising activity.

The Board of Life Education Trust (NZ) declined an offer to be associated with the event, because we do not believe Mr Tyson reflects the values of our organisation, what we teach children about the wonder of life, themselves, and other people.

This is a matter which the Life Education Trust takes very seriously and we have worked with Immigration officials to have the letter of support withdrawn. We are now undertaking our own internal process to address what has transpired.