The Ratana faithful are being urged to stay away from the church's annual celebrations and tune into the event online instead.
Citing Covid-19 concerns, the Rātana Kōmiti Marae has cancelled today's traditional ceremony marking the 149th anniversary of the birth of Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana.
Only the formal procession from the marae to the temple will proceed, along with speeches at the marae afterwards.
Te Tai Hauāuru Labour MP Adrian Rurawhe spoke to Susie Ferguson.
