pitopito korero
Covid-19 Considerations for Tikanga and Tangihanga March 19, 2020
-As published by Labour Maori Caucus, 18th March, 2020
During these changing times, it is important to remember that this public health emergency will come to an end, and that together, we will get through this.
However, right now, it is about manaaki tangata, slowing the spread, and doing what’s right to protect our people – especially our kaumātua.
For those who sadly have tangihanga, we ask you to consider what variations to tikanga and kawa can be made to ensure manaaki tangata for all who attend.
- Consider sending representatives who go on behalf of the wider whānau (especially those most vulnerable to COVID-19, such as koroua and unwell whānau)
- If you are attending, please give advance notice to the haukāinga, so they can prepare for your arrival
- As haukāinga, make sure you have sufficient cleaning products and practice and promote hand hygiene
Physical contact is an easy way for COVID-19 to spread. By varying tikanga and kawa, we can protect our whānau, hapū and iwi.
This includes replacing hongi, harirū, hugging etc, with alternatives such as the ‘East Coast Wave’ / te mihi-ā-tukemata, the wiri wand, the hā mamao or other non-physical contact greetings.
We acknowledge the marae and iwi (such as Te Atiawa and Ngāti Kahungunu) who have already made adjustments to their usual tikanga and kawa practices. Kia mataara e te Iwi! Kia Mataara!