Passes and IDrequired at scaled-back Ra¯tana event
The historic Ra¯tana 25th celebrations have been scaled back for a second year running to a oneday event for the local community.
Thousands of Ra¯tana followers, politicians and dignitaries have been asked to stay away because of the threat of Covid-19 and most traditional activities have been called off.
The formal procession from the marae to the whakamoemiti service in the temple will go ahead on January 25 followed by speeches at the marae, but Ra¯tana leaders say there will be strict safety precautions.
On Monday, the office of the Ra¯tana Established Church announced the service would be a ‘‘vaccinated event’’ for those with vaccine passes, photo identification and masks. Local volunteers would check passes and IDs.
It also asked followers outside of Ra¯tana to stay home and hold whakamoemiti in their own parishes to keep the community safe.
The Ra¯tana Komiti Marae has cancelled all other events usually held over several days.
Head of Paepae, Kamaka Manuel, says the decision was made for safety reasons.
‘‘Very tough decision, largely based on the restrictions and the current climate in terms of Covid appearing across the country,’’ Manuel said.
‘‘Our Ra¯tana 25th hui are always attended by thousands of people and that [would] put those who attend at risk.
‘‘It was a very, very hard decision to make for our people but one based on aligning with the Ministry of Health guidelines around Covid and ensuring that we keep not only ourselves safe here at home in the Ra¯tana community but also all of our fellowship in the wider motu.’’
The annual pilgrimage of Ra¯tana followers marks the birth of Tahupo¯tiki Wiremu Ra¯tana, the founder of the Ra¯tana Church and movement.
Manuel says this year’s cancellations will impact heavily on the Ra¯tana faithful.
‘‘It’s the one major hui that many of our wha¯nau mark every year on their calendar. It’s most important for them to begin their year with their attendance to recharge a¯-tı¯nana, a¯-wairua – it’s the norm.
‘‘When that’s a cycle that’s been happening for generation after generation, [cancellation] will have a huge impact for our wha¯nau.
‘‘This is only the second time that this has happened. Such is the impact of this nga¯ngara. We know that Covid is pretty much here to stay. How do we now manage our pathways forward?
‘‘What had to be counted into the decision was the fact that although we are in orange of the traffic light system, there are still people who belong to our ha¯hi who come from areas that are in red.
‘‘One of the things about our ha¯hi and our mo¯rehu [followers] is that many of them come from very high risk areas.’’
Manuel said the event has historically heralded the start of the political year, with politicians taking the opportunity to address Ma¯oridom.
‘‘It’s that first national hui for the politicians, for Ma¯oridom, followed by Waitangi up in the north. But the onus has to be around keeping everybody safe.
‘‘This year we won’t see the official attendance by politicians, dignitaries and the huge media presence, but there are a number of politicians who affiliate strongly to the ha¯hi who may attend.’’