By RNZ
Rātana celebrations have been cancelled for next year due to Covid-19 restrictions under the traffic light system.
The annual pilgrimage for followers of Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana takes place towards the end of January and is also where politicians attend events, marking the start of the political year.
In a statement, the Rātana Kōmiti Marae says it decided to cancel all events due to the evolving traffic light system framework and Rātana Pā community currently residing in the red light area.
The Komiti said it was a tough call.