The organisers of a concert in Christchurch, New Zealand, have sparked outrage by charging White people more for tickets.
Brown Town, a far-left taxpayer-funded Maori and Pacific Islander community group which uses the antiwhite slogan “make Christchurch brown again”, is hosting a gig called Sunday Sessions at a bar called Muy Muy on January 26 with tickets sold at three price points, Chris Lynch Media reported.
“Early bird (for all Tangata): $15, Tangata Moana (for our Māori and Pacific Tangata): $20 and Tangata Tiriti (for our allies): $30,” the ticket pricing read. “Tangata” means people in the Maori language.
The wording has since been changed to “Early bird: $15.00, Alofa Access Ticket: $20.00 and Ally Access Ticket: $30.00”, but Brown Town Director Grace Colcord, who claims to be of Samoan and Irish ancestry, defended charging non-Maori or Pacific Islander attendees extra.
“Systemic inequities have historically impacted Maori 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,” Ms Colcord told Chris Lynch Media.
“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.”
“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.”
But Elliot Ikilei from anti-affirmative action lobby group Hobson’s Pledge accused the group of racism.
“The group has received $35,000 in funding from Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Fund. Another case of arts funding going to blatant racism,” he said in an email to supporters on Wednesday.
“What Brown Town haven’t got is an understanding of the Human Rights Act 1993 and how discrimination works! Or maybe they just don’t care?”
And referring to comments made by an unnamed Pacific Islander community leader who called the tier pricing divisive, he said: “I couldn’t agree more. We don’t need this racist crap in New Zealand. What’s next? Separate drinking fountains?”
Muy Muy has also distanced itself from the organisers, telling Chris Lynch Media it was unaware of the pricing when the event was booked, and does not support discrimination of any kind.
In an interview in September, Brown Town’s founders complained that Christchurch has a “long and troubled history” that could be traced back to the arrival of the first settler ships, and Ms Colcord said she had been racially profiled while shopping.
Header image: Left, Sunday Sessions. Right, Grace Colcord (Brown Town)
