Christchurch bar Muy Muy and Christchurch collective Browntown have called off a music event and cut ties following racially tiered ticket pricing.
Tickets for the event were initially sold at three price points: “Early bird (for all Tangata): $15, Tangata Moana (for our Māori and Pacific Tangata): $20, and Tangata Tiriti (for our allies): $30.”
Browntown, founded by Devyn Baileh, Grace Colcord, and Shea Wātene, presents itself as a platform for cultural engagement and a vehicle for addressing racism. However, its ticketing structure for a music gig sparked criticism, with concerns first raised by members of Christchurch’s Pasifika community, saying it breached New Zealand’s Human Rights Act 1993, which prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or national origin in the provision of goods, services, and access to public venues.
In a short statement sent on Thursday morning to chrislynchmedia.com Muy Muy said “we have come to a mutual agreement to discontinue. Would won’t make any further comments.” In a statment online Browntown said “To those who don’t get the vibe, get a grip. The nonsense you’re spouting is nothing we haven’t heard before; you’re boring, and even worse, you are getting upset over a $30 ticket to an event that you had no intention of attending in the first place. Your attempts to tear us down and intimidate us are futile. Brown Town is brimming with proud and unapologetically brown TĀNGATA MOANA who stand on business, and we are embraced by TĀNGATA TIRITI who understand the gravity of our mahi.”
The statement also said ““All things considered, Brown Town has made the call to part ways with Muy Muy for this event. This decision was not made lightly, but ultimately had to happen out of serious concerns regarding the safety and well-being of Muy Muy staff, our artists, our crew, and of course, our TĀNGATA MOANA. To those who have already bought tickets, we will reach out to you via email with new details.”
Last year, Brown Town received $35,000 from Creative New Zealand’s Creative Impact Fund (Pacific arts) to deliver a yearlong series of free creative workshops and forums for Tangata Moana communities in Christchurch.
A Pacifica community leader, speaking anonymously, criticised Browntown’s approach as “divisive.” “This is a blatant attempt to manufacture victimhood. Charging higher prices for white people doesn’t foster unity; it drives a wedge between communities.”
In a statement, posted to its social media page, Browntown said “we are alarmed by the dangerous nature in which Brown Town has been depicted. Clickbait news media is incredibly harmful to the well-being of our people. It perpetuates stereotypes, fuels division amd normalises prejudice.”
However, Human Rights Commissioner Melissa Derby said “there are alternative, non-discriminatory avenues which could also achieve the same outcome without the risk of perpetuating negative stereotypes about particular communities. I encourage all people to use approaches that promote positive race relations and enhances harmonious relations for all people in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
In a social media post, The collective dismissed the initial article as ‘not worth reading,’ even though it presented their response, in full. Browntown said the bar did not threaten to cancel the event saying “ragebait, our venue did not threaten to cancel our event. We have been in constant communication with their team, and we have been working closely with them while we navigate this situation together.”
However, on Tuesday Muy Muy Function Manager told chrislynchmedia.com “we were not aware of the pricing structure before we agreed to host the event and would have never agreed. We do not support any sort of discrimination towards anyone.” The manager said “we are in contact with the organiser, we have addressed the issue and mentioned that we are not willing to continue or host the event if the necessary amendments are [not] made and no any sorts of negative impact to take place. The organiser has asked for 24 hours to fix or respond to this matter. As Muy Muy we have a great sense of acceptance for all cultures, traditions. We support all communities equally.”
In a social media post, the collective falsely claimed chrislynchmedia.com had been ‘explicitly’ told by the Human Rights Commission that no breach had occurred – a statement that was untrue.
Brown town co-founder Grace Colcord defended the pricing model, saying it was part of the group’s commitment to accessibility and equity. “In line with our kaupapa, we recognise that systemic inequities have historically impacted Māori and Pacific communities in many ways, including access to arts and cultural events. By offering tiered pricing, we aim to reduce financial barriers for Tangata Moana, ensuring they can engage fully with an event designed to celebrate their culture and creativity,” Colcord said. “It’s worth noting that pricing models based on specific groups aren’t unique to this event. Many venues and organisations offer discounted pricing for children, seniors, students, or even ‘ladies’ nights,’ which prioritise affordability for specific demographics. Similarly, our approach reflects our mission, which centres on equity, inclusion, and cultural celebration.”
She said the initiative was not about exclusion but about balancing access and opportunity. “All attendees—regardless of the ticket they purchase—will experience the same vibrant, shared space, enjoy the same performances, and contribute to the collective atmosphere of celebration and unity.”
Respected Christchurch rapper Big Sima, aka Lucas Fahey commented on the initial article published by chrislynchmedia.com saying “Man usually I’m down for the kaupapa, but I’ll be the first to admit. This ain’t it.”
