Tairawhiti iwi are calling for Rhythm and Vines to be cancelled.  

Festivals can only go ahead in the orange traffic light setting and Tairawhiti is going to red this Friday.  

A decision on the event hasn't been announced yet.  

Toitu Tairawhiti spokesperson Amohaere Houkamau told Heather du Plessis-Allan they're struggling to get to 90 percent double-vaccination. 

She said it's also about understanding the vulnerability and frailty of the region's health system. 

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