Some Māori communities are upset and frustrated that only 10 people can attend tangihanga under Level 2.
The Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, says it has been one of the hardest decisions Cabinet had to make.
But she says there's an increased likelihood of physical contact at funerals and tangi, and the limit mitigates the risk of covid-19 outbreaks.
Māni Dunlop spoke with RNZ's Māori news correspondent, Leigh-Marama McLachlan.
