Group defends racially tiered ticket pricing

Brown Town, a community organization based in Christchurch, has recently faced criticism over their ticketing structure for an upcoming event celebrating Tangata Moana. The collective, founded by Devyn Baileh, Grace Colcord, and Shea Wātene, aims to create safe and inclusive spaces for Māori and Pasifika communities in the South Island.

The controversy arose over the initially tiered ticket pricing for their event ‘WAVES: Sunday Sessions’. Tickets were originally priced at $15 for early bird, $20 for Tangata Moana, and $30 for Tangata Tiriti or “allies”. Following online backlash and concerns over potential discrimination, Brown Town renamed the tickets to “Alofa” and “Ally” access, priced at $20 and $30 respectively.

While the organizers defended their initial pricing strategy as a means to increase accessibility and equity for Tangata Moana communities, the Race Relations Commissioner, Melissa Derby, expressed satisfaction with the changes made. She emphasized the importance of finding non-discriminatory ways to achieve the same goal without perpetuating negative stereotypes.

In response, Brown Town acknowledged the systemic inequalities faced by Māori and Pacific communities and reiterated their commitment to reducing financial barriers for Tangata Moana to engage with arts, culture, and music. They highlighted the importance of creating a safe space for these communities to connect with their heritage.

Despite facing safety concerns at the original venue, Muy Muy, Brown Town announced a change in location for the event to ensure the well-being of attendees and staff. Ticket buyers will be informed of the new venue’s location.

Overall, Brown Town’s mission to celebrate and uplift Tangata Moana remains central to their event planning, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility for all.