Rāhui (restriction of access) at Abbey Caves

Published on 20 November 2023

Update November 2023: The reserve is open but the Abbey Caves are closed until further notice.

Due to the tragic loss of life of a young Whangārei resident on Tuesday, 9 May 2023, Ngāti Kahu o Torongare and the Whangārei Hapū placed a rāhui (restricted access) over the Abbey Caves network within the Parihaka Scenic Reserve. The rāhui covers no entry into the caves until further notice.

The rāhui remains in place whilst Worksafe NZ and Police complete their investigation and report to the coroner (anticipated March 2024). Hapū and Council will consider the outcome of the coroner’s report before any future decision on access to the caves.

Thank you for your consideration of this rāhui.

Authorised by Ngāti Kahu o Torongare, Ngā Hapū o Whangārei and Whangarei District Council

Rāhui

He Pānui: Ngā manuhiri mō Kiore Taretare

Nō te aituā i pā ki tētahi taiohi o Whangārei i te Tūrei, te 9 o Mei 2023, i rāhuitia ngā ana o Kiore Taretare ki roto o Te Whenua Tāpui o Parihaka e Ngāti Kahu o Torongare me Ngā Hapū o Whangārei. He rāhui tēnei e haukoti ana i te tomo ki roto i ngā ana mō te wā ka tū mai.

Ka mau tonu te rāhui kia oti rā anō i a Mahi Haumaru me Te Pirihimana te mātai me te pūrongo mō te kaitirotiro matewhawhati (Maehe 2024 te whakapae). Ka kohuki tahi ngā Hapū me te Kaunihera i te whakataunga a te kaitirotiro matewhawhati i mua i te whakataunga mō te tomo anō rānei ki ngā ana.

E mihi ana i tō manawa popore ki tēnei rāhui.

He mea whakamana e Ngāti Kahu o Torongare, e Ngā Hapū o Whangārei, e Te Kaunihera ā Rohe o Whangārei