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A Maori woman has gone to the Human Rights Commission
claiming she was discriminated against by her former employer.
Claire Haupani says she was embarrassed and degraded
when her employer told her to keep
her tamoko out of sight and to wear clothing
to keep it covered. Irena Smith reports.
The tamoko depicts her genealogy
and represents her family and identity.
Claire claims that while she was working for a catering company
she was discriminated against for her tamoko
and told to wear something to cover it up.
Claire was so angry and ashamed
she complained to the Human Rights Commission.
One year on it is before the Human Rights Court.
Graham Peet, Claire's former manager, is the defendant.
He denies all claims and says he has not acted in a discriminatory way.
Dr Ngahuia Te Awekotuku was a called as an expert witness
to talk about the significance of tamoko and its explanation.
Although this isn't the first time this issue
has been taken to the Human Rights Commission
this is a test case for the Human Rights Court.
If the Court rules in Claire's favour
she could receive up to $10,000.
The hearing is set down for two days,
Graham Peet will give his evidence tomorrow
when a judgement is also expected.
Irena Smith, Te Karere.