Māori man denied entry to Gold Coast restaurant due to tā moko

RNZNZ HeraldMonday 29 September 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated
Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

Caleb Pokai, 24, claims he was barred from the Burleigh Pavilion on the Gold Coast because of his traditional Māori tattoo. The man was attempting to surprise a friend for their birthday when security guards refused him entry.

How they headlined it

First reported by RNZ, Mon 29 Sep 2025, 3:17pm · 2 reports from 2 outlets over 2 hours
  1. RNZRNZ

    Gold Coast venue refuses entry to Māori man due to cultural tattoo (opens in new tab)

  2. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    Māori man says Gold Coast restaurant barred him entry over tā moko (opens in new tab)