May 11, 2020
Te Whanau a Apanui checkpoints to be lifted
Te Whānau ā Apanui will lift its community safety zones tomorrow.
In a joint statement with police and Opotiki Council, it says there will be a closing karakia at 7am at Pōtikirua and midday at Hāwai.
Spokesperson Rikirangi Gage says the checkpoints established on March 25 provided additional security for residents during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There were very few motorists turned away and generally the kaupapa was respected by the wider community.
He says because of the national success at restricting COVID-19, Te Whānau ā Apanui would now march the national guidelines.
Ōpōtiki Mayor Lyn Riesterer says the collaborative approach taken by the iwi had been a success and strengthened relationships across agencies.
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