King Tūheitia’s private secretary says the Māori king’s decision to move poukai on-line is sending a message of whānau responsibility.
Ngira Simmonds says the 30 poukai held each year are the life-blood of the Kiingitanga.
Eleven were to be held this month as well as the royal regatta at Tūrangawaewae, which has also been cancelled.
Archdeacon Simmonds says it’s the right thing to do at this stage of the pandemic.
“As we look at where Omicron is trending in the country and our health system has kind of reached its capacity and its limitations, it is now up to each whānau to take responsibility, and the king is modelling that,” he says.
Archdeacon Simmonds says King Tūheitia is isolating at home, and is still Covid-free.
