Let Acclaimed Iranian Director Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami into NZ

There is no reasonable basis for this decision. It needs to be reversed.

This government needs to reconsider their decision. This is not fair or just.

That's not fair!

Could she not be sponsored by one of the fine organisers!!!

This is an appalling and heartless decision by NZ Immigration. Let us hope they wake up. We have published the story here on Asia-Pacific Report http://asiapacificreport.nz/2016/04/18/amnesty-international-criticises-denial-of-nz-visa-to-iran-filmmaker/

Please reverse this very embarrassing decision!!

This decision needs to be reversed immediately, is shameful.

Godo heavens immigration service - why would she want to stay here when the stories she has to tell are thousands of miles away -and she has been invited by a responsible and bona fide party for only a few days. What on earth are you thinking!

Just let her in!

Let her in and give her an apology

It's embarrassing that either naivety or ignorance is preventing NZers from enjoying and benefiting from her work, talent and mind

The wording of Ms Tong's decision, as quoted, sounds like a pro forma response and gives me no confidence that a meaningful assessment has been made. I believe it does reek of profiling, that it works against freedom of expression and of art and that it is hugely embarrassing to New Zealand in an international arena.

I have known Rokhsareh for over four years. She has a film showing here at the San Francisco International Film Festival later this month. It is completely ridiculous to think that she intends to emigrate to New Zealand! Grant the visa and apologize!

The embarassing naivete or worse that has made this headline news and a creative faceplant by Immigration needs to be reversed. Let her in please and stop being so stupid. There would be a queue among her industry peers to guarantee her visa conditions I am sure.

Profiling based on nationality is loathsome and therefore of great concern to New Zealand's reputation. Clearly, the Department of Immigration has work to do learning about how creative ecologies work across borders to support outstanding artists such as Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami. Then again her visa may have been denied because of her work as a human rights activist. If that is also the case, then New Zealand's credibility on the world-stage has been significantly tarnished.

The legalese language of the notice of refusal betrays the simple truth that Immigration have not done their homework.

Sounds like decision based on insufficient and prima facie value - please reassess.

better research by NZ Immigration about credentials was needed before this decision was made

Disgusting that the artistic talent of this woman who is trying to break down the barriers of women by religion and restricted rights is unable to speak at this important film festival. We rely on people like her to push the rights of women in all countries to be their own person and not the chattels of the family.

This is insane