Gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled to help stop the spread of coronavirus, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.
A Te Hui Ahurei a Tūhoe event that was expected to draw thousands this Easter has been cancelled amidst coronavirus safety concerns.
Up to 15,000 people were expected to attend the festival in the Bay of Plenty community of Waimana this Easter weekend.
First held in Rotorua in 1971, thebiennial festival was established by John Rangihau to strengthen the identity of urban Tuhoe and for Tūhoe descendants to join together on the stage and sporting field.
It was a way of bringing the iwi together and retain unique aspects of its language and culture among Tūhoe youth.
Te Hui Ahurei a Tūhoe 2020 has been cancelled.
Up to 15 thousand people were expected to attend the biannual festival...
"I want to thank them for their commitment which has always been inspiring.
"But our decision is a critical step in Aotearoa-New Zealand's response to keep transmission rates of Covid-19 low and Tūhoe will protect its own communities by doing so."
The festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2022.