December 02, 2020
Ngati Awa to mark Whakaari tragedy
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa is planning a special commemoration to mark the anniversary of the 2019 Whakaari eruption.
The remembrance at Te Mānuka Tutahi Marae in Whakatāne and will observe the exact moment of the eruption at 2.11pm on 9 December 9, 2019.
Rūnanga chair Joe Harawira says because of the limit to the number of guests because of COVID-19 Level 2 protocols, the ceremony will also be broadcast by Māori Television.
The gathering Whakaari – He Rā Whakamaumaharatanga is for the individuals and families most affected by the tragedy, with invitations also going out to some government and consular representatives and organisations who were involved in the emergency response.
There will also be a public commemoration at Mātaatua Reserve from 11.30am facilitated by Whakatāne District Council is and featuring national primary school kapa haka winners, Te Kura o Te Pāroa and Ngāti Awa Taikura.
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