August 31, 2020
COVID challenge for Keri Kaa tangi
Educator, writer and actor Keri Kaa will join her ancestors in the urupa at Rangitukia today after a tangi that has shown the dramatic flair and convention-breaking that characterised her life.
Whānau member Ani Pahuru Huriwai says her commitment and passion for te reo Māori me ōna tikanga will be missed.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the tangi has mostly been held at the funeral home in Gisborne, with poroporaki streamed to whānau on social media.
Plans by whānau in Tamaki Makaurau to come down were dashed by the conditions of lockdown 2.5.
"They are in Auckland still and they will remain there. They have decided to err on the side of caution because they don't want to be the family that brings the ngārara back to the coast. Rightfully so, they've decided to err on the side of caution and stay in Tāmaki Makaurau". she says.
Radio Ngāti Porou will broadcast the funeral service for Keri Kaa this morning.
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