Following the advice of the Ministry of Health and its guidance for public events and mass gatherings, and after discussion and consultation with the local whanau and organisers on the ground the decision has been made to cancel Hui Topu which was scheduled to take place 11 April, 2020.

The health and safety of our whanau, kaimahi, and community comes first and we understand the need to take proactive and preventative action to slow the spread of COVID-19 to protect us, our whanau, and the wider community, especially some of our most vulnerable whanau.

We would like to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to the whanau of Uawa, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Te Pariha o Whangara, Te Kura a Rohe o Uawa, and everyone who has given time and resources to this kaupapa, including the ropu rangatahi, kapa, and tira waiata engaged in preparations to attend and perform.

At this stage, at the request of the local whanau in Uawa, we have tentatively rescheduled Hui Topu to be held in Uawa / Tolaga Bay, 1 May, Easter Saturday, 2021.

Nga mihi nui ki a tatau katoa. Kia kaha tonu tatau ki te tieki i a tatau ano, me te mahara he nui nga meatanga mai a Ihu ratau ko nga Anahera: “Kaua e wehi”. Nei ra te inoi kia puritia matau, e te Atua pai, i raro i te atarangi o tona atawhai i tenei wa o te awangawanga. Kia ukaukaina, a kia awhinatia matau kia kaua e wehi, nei ra kia whakarewaina era katoa ka taimahatia; kia koa matau i te whakaahurutanga o te Atua me te mohio e kore rawa tetahi mea e kaha ki te momotu i a matau i tona aroha i roto i a Karaiti Ihu, i to matau Ariki. Amine.

Please stay up-to-date with the latest advice from the Ministry of Health at: health.govt.nz

You can also see our guidelines for churches at: tairawhiti.org/covid-19-guidance

And you can also access prayer resources for COVID-19 at: tairawhiti.org/prayer-resources