December 14, 2021
Covid fears bring halt to Rātana hui


Next month’s 25th hui at Rātana Pā has been cancelled.
The Rātana Komiti Marae says events around the annual celebration of the birth of prophet Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana can’t go ahead because of Covid restrictions.
Only whakamoemiti will take place on January 25.
Spokesperson Kamaka Manuel says it was a tough decision, but it was necessary to keep morehu safe wherever they come from.
“The fellowship is still very strong in Taitokerau Nui Tonu, that is a large area that is impacted by the traffic light system. We also have a large contingent from the South Island as well. Taurangamoana and the Bay of Plenty, there’s a strong contingent of morehu from those areas as well,” he says.
Kamaka Manuel says the Komiti is looking at alternatives such as some kind of virtual hui.