WELLINGTON - A document leaked from the Office of the Human Rights Commission shows that city eatery, Marie's Cafe, has exhibited racial discrimination in its internal promotion processes and may be subjected to a fine of up to $100,000.

Pot, Frying Pan, and Pasta Pot. Inset Kettle.

Owners and management of the beleaguered cafe have declined to comment, however Spinner are exclusively publishing a copy of the complaint as leaked to our office, as detailed below:

Complaint of: Kettle, Kitchen Utensil.
I want to make a complaint of racial discrimination. I am 22 years old, made in Europe, and have worked at Marie's Cafe for 21 years as a Kitchen Utensil. My immediate boss is David Rhys - the head chef. I work in a small team of four, myself, Pot, Frying Pan, and Pasta Pot. I am the longest serving member of our team. My duties include boiling water, cooking soups and frying foods. I am on a salary of $32,000 p.a.

On August 28 I read in our internal newsletter that the head utensil’s position was becoming vacant, and applications were invited from staff. On August 30 I gave my application for the position to David Rhys. There were several applications for the position from staff, and we were short-listed to two, myself and Pasta Pot. Pasta Pot is a kitchen utensil also, and has been with the company for 3 years. Pasta Pot is stainless steel.

At 11am on 3 September I had an interview with David Rhys, Graham Duggan, the Human Resources Manager, and Pot, who was inexplicably on the panel. My interview went very well, it lasted 1 hour, and I was told that I had a lot of experience that was very valuable to the company, and that I was probably the most qualified utensil for the position. This made me happy.

I was also asked how I thought I would cope managing a team that was considerably younger than myself and made from more modern materials. The rest of the team I work with is aged 2-5 and all are stainless. I said I did not see that as a problem, that I already had a good working relationship with the team, and I had confidence that I could perform the management role well. I did however feel disconcerted by the question, and wondered if my colour and type of metal would work against me.

On 10 September Pot came to see me, and told me that my application for the position had not been successful. He said that I was clearly well qualified for the job, but they had chosen Pasta Pot as she was also well qualified, and had the advantage of being ‘switched on’ to modern management methods. He said he hoped I was not too disappointed. I asked Pot if it was because I was black. Pot said it was.

I was very distraught by this conversation. I felt hurt and an overwhelming sense of not belonging. I felt as though my worth was negligible and that the entire kitchen merely saw me by the colour of my metal and not my ability to fry or boil efficiently nor my personality.

For these reasons I am submitting this complaint to the Human Rights Commission.