A brawl erupted at a central Auckland bar on Friday night after an alleged racist incident.
Around 30 people were involved in the clash, reports Stuff.
According to a witness, the fight began at Vodka Bar in Ponsonby after 10pm.
A group of Pākehā yelled racist comments at staff of Indian descent before redirecting their verbal abuse to people at a nearby table who appeared to be Middle Eastern or Asian.
The group reportedly accused the people of colour of not "look[ing] like New Zealand citizens."
Restaurant staff asked the abusive group to leave but they refused, and a fight broke out.
Police and security were called and arrived later in the evening, by which time the brawl had moved into the middle of Ponsonby's Williamson Ave.
The witness claims the fight "calmed down" once police and security turned up.
A police spokesperson said there were no injuries and the groups involved soon dispersed.
In a statement, the bar's owner told NZME, "Vodka Room is deeply saddened by the incident on Friday."
"We are proud to oppose all forms of bigotry and xenophobia. Consideration is being given to extending private security at the venue, though it troubles us deeply that such a thing needs to be considered."
Newshub.
