Entertainment promoter says Immigration playing favourites

The entertainment promoter, Gray Bartlett, says immigration decision-makers are playing favourites over which overseas music and comedy acts are being allowed into the country. British comedian Russell Howard is about to tour New Zealand and other acts allowed in this summer include drag queen RuPaul and musicians appearing at Northern Bass in Mangawhai and the Bay Dreams festival. But Mr Bartlett, who is the vice-president of the Promoters Association, told our reporter Gill Bonnett no-one has spelt out what the criteria are for approval nor why his acts have been turned down.