Following the Government’s announcement that Tāmaki Makaurau will shortly return to Alert Level 3, and the remainder of Aotearoa to Alert Level 2, the decision has been made to cancel the kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) component of Ngā Whetū o Matariki - Matariki Awards scheduled for this weekend.

“In light of the Prime Minister’s announcement, we have made the decision to cancel this weekend’s Matariki Awards,” says Shane Taurima, Tāhūhū Rangapū of Māori Television.

“While the Government has signalled its intention to review Alert Levels in the coming days, caring for the safety and wellbeing of our community must remain the utmost priority at this time,” Mr Taurima says.

Māori Television will work with event partners to explore alternative options to recognise and acknowledge all finalists and Award recipients.