Immigration New Zealand says singer Chris Brown, who announced he would play in New Zealand in December, cannot currently gain a visa.

Chris Brown Source: Associated Press

Mr Brown was convicted of attacking his ex-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009 and was sentenced to community labour, five years on probation and issued with a restraining order.

He was refused entry in the UK due to his criminal record in 2010, and an Immigration NZ official today confirmed in a statement that "if Chris Brown has been excluded from another country he will be ineligible to be granted a visa to enter New Zealand unless given a special direction".

A special direction is an allowance under the Immigration Act for people to be granted exceptions when they are not eligible for a visa.

Australia granted him entry in 2011 for a tour and his promoters have said in a statement that preparations to acquire the special direction required are underway.