PRESS RELEASE
Monday 16 March 2020
Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa
RIRI ME TE RAUKURA 2020 CANCELLATION
Due to the most recent announcements regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa and the working party for Te Riri me te Raukura wish to advise of the cancellation this year’s Te Riri me te Raukura commemoration and events scheduled for 16 March – 19 March.
“This year’s event was significant as we were going to mark the 160th anniversary since the firing of the first shots on 17th March 1860. This is very disappointing, however, the health and safety of our whanau is more important at this time…” says Hoani Eriwata, community leader and long term facilitator of the annual commemorations.
Further consideration will be given to an appropriate time to mark this anniversary.
“Although the risk of reported cases in Aotearoa is comparatively low at this point, we are serious about our responsibility to take early preventative action to protect the most vulnerable in our community. We will continue to monitor key local, regional and national advice, adapt and act accordingly”, says Liana Poutu, Chair of Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa Trust.
ENDS
MEDIA SPOKESPEOPLE
Liana Poutu – Pouwhakarae / Chairperson Hemi Sundgren – Pouwhakahaere / Chief Executive
MEDIA CONTACT
Anaru White
comms@teatiawa.iwi.nz
