Status: For immediate release
Date: 28 December 2019
Subject: Ngāti Awa Rāhui Lifted
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa advises that the Ngāti Awa rāhui (temporary ritual prohibition) that has been in place since the Whakaari eruption was lifted at 1pm today (28 December 2019).
Following discussions this morning between senior Ngāti Awa kaumatua and cultural experts, the appropriate karakia (prayers) were performed by Ngāti Awa tohunga at 1pm today, lifting the rāhui he placed in the late afternoon following the Whakaari eruption.
Consequently, temporary prohibitions on marine activities undertaken within the Ngāti Awa rohe moana (customary coastal territory) – including fishing and the gathering of seafood – have now been removed.
The Ngāti Awa rohe moana encompasses the Whakatāne, Ōhope and Ōhiwa coastlines, and Rurima, Moutohorā and Te Puia ō Whakaari islands.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa acknowledges residents, visitors and the general public for their respect and support of the rāhui following the eruption of Whakaari.
ENDS
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