Hamilton witch wins compo from council

By PAUL YANDALL

A self-styled witch has won $3000 compensation from the Waikato Regional Council after it rejected her as a tenant, claiming she was unsuitable.

Hamilton woman Lynette Muggeridge said Environment Waikato refused to let her set up her New Age shop in the council's Grey St headquarters last May because she was a witch.

She filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, claiming the council had discriminated against her because of her religious beliefs.

The council told Ms Muggeridge that her shop, Forever Now, which sells mainly crystals and oils and advertises classes in witchcraft and numerology, was not a suitable tenant for its property.

It said it was "not satisfied that society would regard the business of promoting/teaching witchcraft and pagan issues as proper, correct and good."

The council said her shop would offend ratepayers, and was concerned it would "reflect on Environment Waikato as possibly condoning or encouraging those activities."

Ms Muggeridge said yesterday that the council's $3000 was "peanuts" and she was still waiting for an official apology.

"That's the only thing that matters to me. I don't care about the money, I just want an apology for the way I was treated."

Environment Waikato chief executive Barry Harris said the council had already apologised to Ms Muggeridge for its actions.

He admitted its dealings with her had been "unsatisfactory" and the payment had been made in compensation.

"I hope this now puts an end to the matter so we can focus on the important issues facing our region," he said.

Glyn Walters, of the Human Rights Commission, said it was pleased with the outcome of the case, which was clearly one of religious discrimination.

He said the commission had acted as a conciliator between the council and Ms Muggeridge, and had helped broker the settlement.