January 17, 2022
PR: New approach for church in Covid era
The 25 January celebrations at Rātana Pā, Whanganui, which commemorate the birth date of the Church Founder, T W Ratana, has been reduced to a one- day event for the local community only.
The Komiti Matua o te Haahi (Executive Committee) have provided a statement through the Rātana Church Secretary, Piki Manuel.
“The annual celebrations at Rātana Pā will always be significant to us as a people and movement; however, the safety of our people and the Rātana community from any possible outbreak is paramount at this time.
“By reducing the celebration to a localised event, we will have less attendees and therefore far less risk.”
Mita Ririnui, official spokesperson of the Rātana Church, said: “Covid has forced us to modernise the way in which we engage. Resorting to the use of virtual platforms and live streaming has almost become normality.”
It is understood that commemorative services are being held by several Rātana adherents and congregations around New Zealand and in Australia.
The Executive Committee are collaborating with Te Reo Irirangi o Taranaki via their broadcast platform, Te Reo o te Uru, to present a live broadcast of the day.
The broadcast will be available online on 25 January and will also include the closing of the Rātana: Te Kaiwhakaora exhibition currently at Te Papa Museum.