Costumes spark social media debate

The costumes in question.

Photos shared to social media depicting costumes worn at the conclusion of a fishing competition in Whakatane over the weekend, have received widespread flack after they were posted earlier this week.

The images in question, show one group dressed in Z energy staff uniforms and turbans, and in another image a man in full black body paint, dressed as Zulu.

Facebook commenters were quick to express their concern over the images, which swiftly became viral and have since been deleted.

'This couple must think they aren't racist but their costumes and laughs says otherwise. The people surrounding them and not saying anything is allowing casual racism to stay alive,” wrote one commenter.

'Who is a white man to feel so comfortable in my skin for just a few hours and a few laughs, and then go home and wash it off?”

Z Energy corporate communications specialist Georgina Ball says the photos are disappointing.

'We were really appalled when we saw it.

'We found out about it through social media. We did a bit of research and found the photos were taken at a Whakatane fishing club who have had a competition.

'It's really unacceptable to see our staff stereotyped this way. It goes against everything Z stands for, we are about diversity and then to see this happen is sad and disappointing.”

She says the costumes are in no way a reflection of the attitudes held by Z Energy.

'It looks as though the club has held some type of themed party and a group has decided they wanted to dress as Zsite staff.

'We've done an investigation and it turns out someone went along and asked someone at a local site if they could borrow some vests.

'They said it was for safety for the fishing competition and the worker, coming from the right place thought they were doing the right thing by letting them borrow the vests.

'This was a regular customer and they trusted them. It's a small local town and we like to keep involved with the community but instead of this group using them for safety out on a boat they've used them for disrespectful costumes and dressed in a complete stereotype.

'It's disappointing to see this sort of thing happening in New Zealand,” says Georgina. 'Sadly, this whole incident reflects some of what our staff experience on a daily basis at our sites across the country. It's completely unacceptable.

'You would like to think people would have better judgement than that now. We're a diverse country, we should be embracing diversity and to see anyone stereotyping anyone, let alone our staff, is incredibly disappointing.

'We have a strong company commitment to reflect the diversity of New Zealand with an inclusive workplace culture, so that diversity can be fully expressed at work.”

She says the fishing club has not been in contact with Z and nor have they reached out to the club, but the photo has since been removed.

The fishing club did not wish to give a comment when contacted by SunLive.

You may also like....

9 comments

costumes

Posted on 22-03-2018 08:20 | By dumbkof2

what is the matter with this country now. no one can do anything without someone complaining. this country is just so pc now. get over it


Bull

Posted on 22-03-2018 08:56 | By Loopy101

If this was the other way around it would be ok and not "racist" this world is sp pc now come one guys get over it


Bull

Posted on 22-03-2018 08:57 | By Loopy101

If this was the other way around it would be ok and not "racist" this world is sp pc now come one guys get over it


GET

Posted on 22-03-2018 09:02 | By Capt_Kaveman

over it nothing here move on


Porkies

Posted on 22-03-2018 10:12 | By Politically Incorrect

Is someone at Z head office telling little lies? 'They borrowed some vests' - I see they also borrowed the rest of the uniform too, as the lady without the vest is clearly wearing a blue Z branded shirt and, although it could well be generic, that looks to be exactly the same kind of squeegee used on Z forecourts.


Oh dear

Posted on 22-03-2018 12:29 | By overit

Wonder what Billy T James would think? We have to learn to laugh at ourselves.


Where has the fun gone?

Posted on 22-03-2018 12:34 | By GreertonBoy

Why cant we all just get along? If I saw a group of bla.... dark skinned people at a fishing contest with their skin painted white... I think it would be fun and would probably just say something stupid to them like "how did you pakehas do?' and play along. People seem so 'hair trigger' on the racist button these days? What does it achieve them? To me, racist is when someone actually points at someone different and is rude or degrading towards them... To me, people need to take into account the spirit of things that can be misconstrude as an 'on purpose' insult. When will the world ever get back to normal? Normal normal I mean... I don't like this new normal! Leave the guys alone, see the funny side... and get on with your lives (if you have one) BTW, nice dreads Bro :)


golly gosh something had to give

Posted on 22-03-2018 17:35 | By old trucker

I was going to say something about this photo, ( but it would not be printed as some one would find fault in it,) anyway two pennies worth, 10-4 out .phew.


Jokei

Posted on 23-03-2018 15:15 | By Told you

What on earth has N Z become a country of bigoted people. Cool off,sit down,take stock,relax,are we really that precious that we criticise and take offence at fancy dress,someone needs to chill out.


Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.