Ngāti Awa Rāhui Following Death at Moutohora

---

A seven-day rāhui has been put in place following the death of a man who was diving at Moutohora Island today.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa Chairman Joe Harawira says the rāhui would begin today (Thursday, December 23) and run through until next week (Thursday, December 30).

A rāhui, or ban, is a cultural practice that restricts the access to, or use of, an area and its resources. In in this case, access to Moutohora Island and its resources has been restricted for seven days.

Mr Harawira says the man’s death at this time of the year is particularly sad and he sends his condolences to the family on behalf of the Rūnanga.

“Christmas is all about celebrating with family and friends, and now this man’s whānau will be spending this time grieving for him rather than sharing the festivities with him. They will be in our thoughts as they face this sad time.”

He says the decision to implement a rahui was made in partnership with Te Tapatoru a Toi chairman, Te Kei Merito. Te Tapatoru a Toi is the joint management committee that was established with representation from Ngāti Awa, the Crown and the community to take care of Moutohora, Ohope Scenic Reserve and Tauwhare Pā.

The rāhui imposed does not include the Rurima Islands.

---

Contact:
Michal Akurangi
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa Manager Taiao
Mobile: 027 647 7171

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa remembers Whakaari victims on Second Anniversary

---

On the second anniversary of the Whakaari eruption Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa (TRONA) and White Island Tours staff have privately come together to remember the victims, the survivors and everyone who was impacted by the tragedy.

Twenty-two people died following the eruption on December 9, 2019 at 2.11pm. Of the 47 people on the island at the time of the eruption another 22 others suffered life changing injuries.

Among those who lost their lives were White Island Tours guides Hayden Marshall-Inman and Tipene Maangi. Today their colleagues and friends will join together to remember them and celebrate their lives.

Kelsey Waghorn and Jake Millbank were also guiding visitors to the island that day. They survived the eruption and guided many people to safety despite their own serious injuries.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Tumuaki (Chairman) Joe Harawira said:

“We will always remember the people that lost their lives that day and we continue to pray for those that lost loved ones.

“Our thoughts are also with the survivors, here in Aotearoa and abroad and we hope they are healing physically and spiritually. We join with them in their grief.”

For the second consecutive year the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented a large memorial service from taking place. TRONA and White Island Tours staff will gather for a private commemoration to honour Hayden and Tipene. A minute’s silence will be observed at 2.11pm.

---

For more information please call Bianca Ruakere on 021 453 189