A Christchurch bar has threatened to cancel a music event if the promoters don’t change their racially tiered ticket pricing model.
Browntown, founded last year by Devyn Baileh, Grace Colcord, and Shea Wātene, promotes itself as a platform for cultural engagement aimed at addressing racism.
However, its ticketing structure for the “Sunday Sessions” music event at Muy Muy in late January has sparked accusations of racism.
Tickets for the event, featuring artists such as King Kapisi, were 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.”
Critics argue that the pricing breaches 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.
Members of the Pacifica community told chrislynchmedia.com the pricing was “appalling.”
Last year, Browntown received $35,000 from Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Fund to “deliver a yearlong series of free creative wānanga and fono for tangata moana communities in Ōtautahi (Christchurch).”
Creative New Zealand said the grant aimed to “ensure New Zealanders participate in the arts.”
In a recent RNZ interview, Browntown co-founder Shea Wātene, said that despite living in the city for most of his life, he often felt it was not a place where he belonged. The collective said its mission was influenced by Christchurch’s “long and troubled history tracing back to the arrival of the first settler ships.”
But a Pacifica community leader, speaking anonymously, criticised Browntown’s approach as “divisive.”
“This is a blatant attempt to manufacture victimhood, and Creative New Zealand fell for it. Charging higher prices for white people doesn’t foster unity; it drives a wedge between communities,” they said.
However, Browntown Founder and Director Grace Colcord defended the pricing model as part of the group’s commitment to accessibility and equity.
She told chrislynchmedia.com “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.
She 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.”
Colcord said the initiative is 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,” she said.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, who oversees the Human Rights Commission, declined to comment. In a statement, his office said, “This is a matter for the Human Rights Commission to speak to directly.”
A Hospitality New Zealand spokesperson said, “We do not condone differential pricing on the basis of race or ethnicity.”
Creative New Zealand Communications Manager Dinah Vincent said, “We knew Browntown’s strategy included ticketed events, but had no details of the pricing for these events; no funding was sought to support these ticketed activities. Our terms and conditions clearly outline that all funded parties must comply with NZ laws, bylaws, and regulations.”
Vincent said, “If concerns are raised about possible misconduct by a funded party, we’ll investigate the matter so that, if necessary, we can refer the matter to the appropriate agency to address.” She also said Creative New Zealand advisors would contact Browntown to address the issue.
Muy Muy Function Manager Bugz Munasinghe said the bar was unaware of the pricing structure when agreeing to host the event.
“We would have never agreed [and] no, we do not support any sort of discrimination towards anyone,” Munasinghe said.
Following inquiries by chrislynchmedia.com, Munasinghe said the bar contacted the organiser.
“We have addressed the issue and mentioned that we are not willing to continue or host the event unless the necessary amendments are made and no negative impact occurs. The organiser has asked for 24 hours to fix or respond to this matter.”
“At Muy Muy, we have a great sense of acceptance for all cultures and traditions. We support all communities equally,” Munasinghe said.
By Tuesday afternoon, the wording for the ticket prices had been changed to “early bird, $15.00, Alofa Acess Ticket $20.00 and Ally Access Ticket $30.00.”
Ticket company Humanitix did not respond to questions.
The Human Rights Commission was unable to meet the article’s deadline.
