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Mt Aspiring College ball invite - Source: ONE News -
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Mt Aspiring students in Wanaka learnt an important lesson on Friday.
That was, what upsets the town of Wanaka more? The idea of holding a white supremacy ball or to be a whistle-blower to the fact.
The white stuff is all important to Wanaka, so the students theme of white for their after party wasn't given a second thought, the school's principal says.
"We were only talking about or looking at the idea of white supreme and then the MAC [Mt Aspiring College] at the end," says Principal Wayne Bosley.
But the college says it had no input into the theme of the after party, organised by the students.
"Our intention at the time was just to emphasise the point that the theme of the night is white. That's the colour we want everyone to wear," a student told Radio Wanaka.
But another meaning of white supremacy wasn't lost on at least one parent. She complained and the principal intervened, ordering new tickets.
"We've learnt from it and we've apologised because of it and i know that the students concerned are absolutley gutted," says Bosley.
The parent who first rang the school with her concerns about the white supremacy theme wouldn't appear on camera.
She's worried about the repercussions after Radio Wanaka suggested she should leave town.
"That was an unfortunate comment made by one of my announcers in the heat of the moment," says Radio Wanaka Owner Ed Taylor.
The station says it's been inundated with calls and emails with people saying the white supremecy theme has been blown out of proportion.
However, the Race Relations Commissioner says he's pleased that the school has decided to withdraw the name and theme of the party in light of its potential impact on the community.
They also praised the person who raised the issue, saying it's important people feel they can step up and raise valid considerations on such issues.
The newly themed after party will be held this weekend.
