January 17, 2022
Waitangi Day commemorations back on
Waitangi Day commemorations are now back on reversing an earlier decision to cancel commemorations this year due to Covid-19.
In early December the Waitangi National Trust came out and stated that they had no option but to cancel commemorations in 2022.
However, a hui attended by as many as 150 mana whenua hapū members could not take the same direction being bound to uphold the significance and the rangatiratanga of the 181st Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty.
Rihari Dargaville, Chairman of the Taitokerau District Māori Council and kaumatua of Te Tii Waitangi Marae says while working around the Covid rules and the traffic light system has been a challenge it has not been insurmountable.
Without providing details he says protocols of the marae will definitely be rearranged to ensure compliance within the Covid rules and planning so vaccinated and non-vaccinated are managed in a safe way that does not endanger individual rights.
Rihari Dargaville says invitations will not differ from those in the past but it is expected some will not be able to attend on February 6th due to the lateness of the program which is normally done and dusted in October.