Police respond to waka crew allegations

Auckland Police are aware of a situation on Friday afternoon at the waterfront Fanzone where some crew of Maori waka allege they were assaulted when trying to force their way out of the middle of a large crowd of people after they had performed a 600-strong haka on Quay St.

Senior Police spoke with Maori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples on Saturday morning and were told the crew had been directed into the crowd by security staff employed at the event. It was at this point some crew say they were harassed and assaulted.

Police spoke with members of the waka crew on the night. Due to the vast crowd and the nature of the event at the time, they were unable to give Police descriptions of those they encountered.

Police will be discussing with event organisers the organiser's security responsibilities for entertainers arriving and departing at future events.