Relaxed funeral numbers welcome

THE Government’s decision to backtrack on funeral and tangihanga restrictions has been welcomed by grieving families.

Health Minister David Clark announced yesterday up to 50 people would be allowed at a ceremony during Level 2.

Restrictions announced on Monday which allowed only 10 people, had resulted in public criticism and pressure to reconsider.

The change was included in the Covid19 Public Health Response Bill, which was passed in Parliament yesterday, , before the move into Level 2 last night.

Gillions Funeral Services managing director Keith Gillions, of Dunedin, welcomed the Government’s change of heart, as would its client families, he said.

‘‘I can see that it has been hard for them and I am very appreciative of what they have done.’’

Sue Jones, of Hamilton, who spoke last week about planning funerals for two family members in Dunedin, while under restrictions, also welcomed the news.

She said she had been smiling since the announcement, as it had meant a big difference in the planning of her sister’s funeral.

‘‘We are eternally blessed for that . . . It has been our prayers answered.’’

She said the family would now be able to have 50 people at a rosary ceremony and 50 people at the funeral the next day, which they had originally hoped to do.

Otakou marae upoko Edward Ellison said increasing the numbers at funerals would help many whanau with the pain and difficulty they had faced, due to tangi restrictions.

‘‘Fifty is quite a manageable number in most marae situations . . . so it is welcomed news.’’

The Funeral Directors Association was also pleased with the announcement and said it would allow families to have a meaningful farewell.

President Gary Taylor had been confident the approach would be ‘‘robust enough’’ to maintain safety.

“We all need to play our part now . . . and respect the increase in limitations as they will be sufficient for most families for the time being.’’