Due to the growing numbers of covid cases in Tai Tokerau and imminent risk of Omicron variant Ngātiwai Trust Board has elected to host the National Iwi Chairs Forum February meeting completely online.
From 2 – 4 February National Iwi Chairs Forum are scheduled to meet. Ngātiwai had planned to host the iwi of Tai Tokerau face to face at Tahuaroa Conference Centre, Waitangi National Trust while hosting ngā iwi o te motu (iwi from across New Zealand) online. However on Sunday is collaboration with Te Kahu o Taonui, Te Poari o Ngātiwai elected to take their hosting of the Forum completely online.
Raukura CEO Huhana Lyndon explains ‘we have growing numbers of Omicron cases in Tai Tokerau. We recognize the leadership of Te Tii Waitangi Marae and Waitangi National Trust in cancelling face to face commemorations of our national day and taking events online. It is best we go 100% online’.
Te Poari o Ngātiwai will now host a downscaled National Iwi Chairs gathering in Whangārei. ‘Our logistics have had to pivot to accommodate these late changes’ says Lyndon.
Chairman Aperahama Edwards shares ‘our theme for our 2022 hosting is ngā wai whakaataata o Ngātiwai – the reflective waters of Ngātiwai. Reflecting on our past moving forward into the future. This is an important time in our history, we can learn from past pandemics that have affected our people. We need to uphold our tikanga while maintaining covid safe practices’.
The National Iwi Chairs Forum will host government officials online on Friday 4 February.
ENDS