Media Statement - Tiki Taane

Tiki Taane's media statement following his arrest at Illuminati bar in Tauranga over the weekend.

At 3:25am on Sunday the 10th of April I was arrested at my R18 concert in Tauranga.

I was handcuffed and taken to the cells where I spent the rest of the night.

I have been charged with - Disorderly Behavior, likely to cause violence - for reciting the lyrics to a song by an American rap group called N.W.A.

This song is a protest song written by Ice-Cube in 1988, and I have often played and sang along to it at my R18 concerts with no trouble at all.

Also arrested was the promoter of the concert, and my DJ, who was later released uncharged.

I have had an excellent rapport with the NZ Police and I intend to keep that relationship positive.

I'm 34 years old and this is my first ever offence, and I feel it is unfortunate that one particular Police Officer became upset with the N.W.A lyrics I sang that night.

It was an awesome concert with an amazing crowd, and this is why I always come back to Tauranga to play.

I would like to thank my whanau and friends for their support, and really do hope this is resolved positively and soon. All the best to everyone involved. Peace & Love - Tiki Taane.

Tiki will appear in Tauranga District Court on Friday.