One of Australia's most senior Muslim clerics, Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman, was refused entry to New Zealand following the Christchurch massacre - but the ban was overturned following a complaint to the Australian government.

The revelation will raise questions about why the sheikh was on a New Zealand no-fly list, particularly in light of accusations that Australian security agencies and their international partners are too focused on Islamic extremism compared to right-wing terrorism.

"I was shocked": Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman was refused entry into New Zealand. Credit:Steven Siewart

As president of the Australian National Imams Council, Sheikh Shady advises governments on key Islamic issues. He has been placed on an Islamic State hit list calling for his murder.

He was due to fly to Christchurch on Monday to assist Islamic communities as they prepare for the grim task of burying the 50 victims of Friday's mass shooting.