Manu said he repeatedly raised concerns about the chair but it remained in use despite attempts to reinforce it, using \u201cvery thin and very loose\u201d cable ties and a wooden block on its backrest.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll confidence went out the window,\u201d he said, calling the chair \u201cTemu-esque\u201d.<\/p>\n
The modified beauty treatment chair used during NZ Opera\u2019s The Pearl Fishers.<\/p>\n
He questioned why the chair had not been withdrawn before someone was injured.<\/p>\n
\u201cI truly thought because they had given me their word and they said, \u2018look, it\u2019s all secure, we\u2019re going to be by your side\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
Manu said he was deeply hurt by what he described as a lack of care from NZ Opera after his injury.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve worked at these top opera houses … and their duty of care, their pastoral care, is immense,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t express how much it hurts me that this company that I worked with 11 years ago, that I respected … to return now and to be experiencing something that doesn\u2019t align with its core values.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne can only assume that in not observing manaakitanga, that really it\u2019s lip service.\u201d<\/p>\n
NZ Opera responds as WorkSafe steps in<\/p>\n
NZ Opera confirmed a \u201chealth and safety incident\u201d during the final minutes of a dress rehearsal, leaving Manu hurt.<\/p>\n
The company told the Herald it regretted Manu\u2019s injury and remained concerned about the impact the incident had on him.<\/p>\n
The chair was immediately and permanently removed from the production after the incident.<\/p>\n
New Zealand-Tongan tenor Filipe Manu. Photo \/ Michael Craig<\/p>\n
It also said production staff provided immediate assistance on stage and checked on Manu backstage after the rehearsal.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompany leadership sought to contact Filipe that evening, and has continued to offer support since.\u201d<\/p>\n
NZ Opera said it had launched a formal health and safety investigation, overseen by its board. .<\/p>\n
\u201cFilipe has been invited to take part directly, and that invitation remains open whenever he is ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
It said it was unable to comment further while its investigation was ongoing.<\/p>\n
\u201cNZ Opera shares Filipe\u2019s conviction that safety on stage must never be compromised and we are committed to the safety and wellbeing of every artist we work with.\u201d<\/p>\n
WorkSafe confirmed it had initially decided not to assign an inspector as the information available did not indicate an ongoing risk.<\/p>\n
However, after a further review, WorkSafe has assigned an inspector to undertake a workplace assessment with NZ Opera.<\/p>\n
The assessment will consider how NZ Opera manages risks associated with stage equipment, involves workers in health and safety, and meets its obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.<\/p>\n
Samuel Dundas as Zurga and Filipe Manu as Nadir in NZ Opera\u2019s The Pearl Fishers. Photo \/ Andi Crown<\/p>\n
\u2018Missed opportunity\u2019<\/p>\n
The music teacher said staff were left to answer questions from concerned students after the rehearsal and expressed disappointment that NZ Opera management had not addressed the incident.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think this was a real opportunity to show, to lead by example, and I just think that the mark was missed with how it was handled at the time.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is disappointing as a teacher when we promote a kaupapa within a high school performing arts space that values that manaakitanga and developing an ethic of care and respect.\u201d<\/p>\n
Manu said NZ Opera\u2019s expression of regret did not go far enough, saying he wanted an apology.<\/p>\n
He said he had lost confidence in NZ Opera\u2019s ability to investigate itself and would not participate in its internal review, but would support an independent investigation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no denying the truth, it happened in front of the public, so it should then be discussed in public.\u201d<\/p>\n
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