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February 01, 2023
Virtual Waitangi last resort as weather lashes north
Peter Verschaffelt
Posted On February 1, 2023
Download AudioThe chair of the Waitangi National Trust says Waitangi Day commemorations are going ahead, but people need to check road closure updates before making travel plans.
Flooding and slips have closed State Highway One over the Brynderwyn Hill, and other roads may be affected over the next few days as rain continues.
Pita Tipene says Waitangi organisers are working closely with Civil Defence .
“Keeping people safe is the absolute priority. So Plan B is always to go inside. Plan C is then to minimize the numbers, postpone some, maybe even cancel, but really that’s starting to get into Plan C because the safest thing for all people is to allow them to stay home,” he says.
Mr Tipene says a virtual Waitangi Day ceremony is available as a last resort.
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