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Statement by Race Relations Commissioner on marae proposal
The reported proposal to selectively charge media for access to Te Tii marae during the Waitangi Day commemoration is unlikely to be unlawful under the Human Rights Act because the marae, being a private space, is not subject to the discrimination provisions in the Act. These provisions generally apply to public spaces and selected other areas such as education, employment and housing.
However, I consider the practice to be ill-advised, in essence discriminatory and not conducive to harmonious race relations. Generally speaking, the media should be facilitated in their coverage of important Waitangi Day events and discussions while being challenged to do so professionally and in a balanced manner.