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Public pressure has forced a quick u-turn from the government over how many people can attend a tangihanga at alert level 2.
The rules initially restricted funeral guests to just 10 because the government was concerned about a potential second wave of infections, and because people could not be relied onto socially distance in such an emotional situation.
But after a rethink, funeral directors will be able to get special dispensation for up to 50 people to attend a tangi as long as the Ministry of the Health is satisfied they meet safety requirements.
But there is still no congregating for food and drinks after the funeral. To explain the new reasoning and rules Health Minister David Clark talks to Lisa Owen.