The Human Rights Commission has received complaints over a music event that used a “racist” tiered ticketing structure which allowed people of Māori and Pasifika descent to buy cheaper tickets.

But the Christchurch-based collective behind the event – which says it’s dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for Māori and Pasifika communities – says the ticketing structure was designed to “remove barriers for indigenous people” and recognised systemic inequalities that have historically affected Māori and Pasifika communities.

Brown Town Ōtautahi was set to host “Waves: Sunday Session” at Christchurch bar Muy Muy this month – an event it said would be an afternoon of “reckless abandonment under the summer sun”.

But concerns were raised shortly after over the racially tiered ticketing Brown Town adopted for the event.

Tickets – sold via Australian ticketing platform Humanitix – were listed at three different price points: “Early bird (for all Tangata): $15, Tangata Moana (for our Māori and Pacific Tangata): $20 and Tangata Tiriti (for our allies): $30.”

A 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.

The Human Rights Commission says it has received a "small number of complaints" about the event. Photo / Human Rights Commission

“The commission also can’t make findings or decide if the law has been breached.

“It’s our understanding that the ticketing structure to this event was amended this morning.”

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,” Derby said.

The wording on the ticketing options has since been updated to “Early bird: $15, Alofa Access: $20, and Ally Access: $30.”

The wording on the ticketing options has been updated after concerns were raised. Photo / Humanitix

Creative New Zealand (CNZ), which granted Brown Town $35,000 last year as part of its Creative Impact Fund (Pacific Arts),told the Herald it was not aware of the tiered ticket pricing for this event.

“As published on our website, this funding is ‘towards delivering a year-long series of free creative wānanga and fono for tangata moana communities in Ōtautahi’ and contributes to our strategic outcome that ‘New Zealanders participate in the arts’,” CNZ spokeswoman Dinah Vincent said.

“Brown Town’s ticketed events are part of its broader strategy, and no funding was sought or [had] been made available for these activities.

“Many events have tiered ticket pricing, named in ways that reflect the organisation, the event and the target audience,” Vincent said.

Vincent said CNZ had also received 13 complaints, raising concerns about this specific example of tiered ticketing.

“We see that Brown Town has changed the language used to describe the tiers. We were not involved in this change.”

A CNZ adviser had contacted Brown Town on Monday.

“We will maintain our relationship with Brown Town in line with our current funding agreement and use our usual monitoring and reporting practices. Every recipient of CNZ investment who meets their reporting obligations is eligible to seek further support, and that support is determined via our peer assessment processes.

A description of the event encouraged those who bought tickets to "kia pono (be truthful) our tīpuna (ancestors) are watching". Photo / Humanitix

In a statement posted to its social media platforms, Brown Town Ōtautahi addressed that some people had taken issue with the tiered pricing structure and described why it was adopted.

“Our priority has always been to provide safe and inclusive spaces where Tangata Moana are celebrated, uplifted and empowered ... One way in which we aim to ensure that we provide a safe space is by utilising a tiered pricing structure for our tickets,” one post read.

“In line with our kaupapa, we recognise the systematic inequalities that have historically impacted Māori and Pacific communities.

“Our ticket structure ensures accessibility for our Pacific and Māori communities and is practised in other countries to encourage indigenous participation in various events. It is designed to remove barriers for indigenous people.

“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.”

It said staggered ticket structures were not uncommon and discounted tickets were widely offered to various groups including seniors, students, unwaged and locals.

“Waves is not about exclusion ... All attendees – regardless of the ticket they purchase – will experience the same vibrant space and enjoy the same vibrant performances. Each attendee will contribute to the collective atmosphere of celebration and unity.

“To our allies, we acknowledge that you understand our kaupapa and we appreciate your willingness to support our mahi at an extra cost.”

It said that for generations, systemic barriers had excluded Māori and Pacific voices. “This initiative is about reclaiming space, supporting our people and creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to participate, celebrate and feel seen.”

Christchurch bar Muy Muy confirmed to the Herald on Wednesday night that it was not initially aware of the pricing structure before agreeing to host the event and that it had spoken to the organisers and they had mutually agreed to discontinue the event.

Brown Town said the decision was not made lightly, but “ultimately had to happen out of serious concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of Muy Muy staff, our artists, our crew and of course, our Tangata Māori”.

Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.