By Julia Andr\u00e9, ABC<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nCaleb Pokai says he is proud of his M\u0101ori culture.
\nPhoto: ABC\/Glenn Mullane\n<\/p>\n
A Gold Coast M\u0101ori man says he was discriminated against by a Glitter Strip venue that barred him from entry because of his traditional tattoo, or t\u0101 moko.<\/p>\n
Caleb Pokai, 24, was meant to be surprising a friend for their birthday at The Tropic restaurant, part of the Burleigh Pavilion, earlier this month.<\/p>\n
But Pokai said security guards would not let him in after seeing the t\u0101 moko on his neck.<\/p>\n
The intricate tattoo runs from behind his ear and down to his shoulder.<\/p>\n
He said it represented strength, and his carrying of the weight of his family and ancestors on his shoulders.<\/p>\n
T\u0101 moko is a centuries-old tradition for M\u0101ori people, a rite of passage and symbol of cultural pride and storytelling.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nCaleb Pokai’s t\u0101 moko represents strength and carrying the weight of his family.
\nPhoto: ABC\/Glenn Mullane\n<\/p>\n
‘I’m proud of my culture’<\/p>\n
Pokai said he understood why a bar or restaurant would refuse entry to someone with gang-related or threatening tattoos, but his t\u0101 moko was “cultural art”.<\/p>\n
“I was dressed nice, I was presentable, polite, and wasn’t intoxicated,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I should be able to sit down with a group of mates and eat dinner without having any dramas.<\/p>\n
“I’m proud of my culture, my t\u0101 moko represents myself, my family, where I’ve come from and what I’ve been through.”<\/p>\n
The Burleigh Pavillion declined to discuss the matter, instead referring to its dress code, which stated “intimidating, aggressive or offensive tattoos aren’t permitted”.<\/p>\n
A question of discrimination<\/p>\n
Pokai’s parents migrated to Australia before he was born and he was was raised on the Gold Coast.<\/p>\n
Kiwi-born residents made up seven percent of the city’s population, higher than other parts of Queensland and Australia, according to 2021 census data.<\/p>\n
Pokai said it was disappointing some Gold Coast venues did not accept patrons with t\u0101 moko.<\/p>\n
Others have also been refused entry to venues – and access to jobs – because of the body art.<\/p>\n