The Otautahi based outfit “Browntown” has come under fire recently after a bar threatened to cancel their music gig unless the promoters changed their “racist” pricing models.
The tiered ticket prices for the music gig that features artists such as King Kapisi were sold at three different prices: $15 for early bird, $20 for Tangata Moana (for our Maori and Pasifika) then $30 for Tangata Tiriti (for our allies).
Critics have now argued that the pricing breaches New Zealand’s Human Rights Act 1993, which prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.
A Human Rights commission spokesperson confirmed it had received a “small number of complaints” about the event, but it could not provide any further details because of the Privacy Act.
However, Browntown has spoken out saying they are dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for Māori and Pasifika communities and stated that the ticketing structure was created to “remove barriers for indigenous people” and recognise systemic inequalities that have affected Māori and Pasifika communities.
“Our mission is to reduce financial barriers for Tangata Moana so that it is easier for our people to access our arts, culture and music. By offering tiered pricing, we hope that Tangata Moana are able to fully engage with the event which is designed to celebrate their heritage and their creativity.”
“To our allies, we acknowledge that you understand our kaupapa and we appreciate your willingness to support our mahi at an extra cost.” they added.
Race Relations Commissioner Melissa Derby said she encouraged all people to use approaches that “promote positive race relations and enhance harmonious relations” for all people in New Zealand.
“While recognising the event organisers were well-intentioned in aiming to increase accessibility for their communities, there are alternative, non-discriminatory avenues which could also achieve the same outcome without the risk of perpetuating negative stereotypes about particular communities,”
