Rāhui near Taiharuru explained
Published on 27 July 2024
Recently, signs have been installed to notify of a rāhui put in place at Huitau, also known as 'The Gap', near Taiharuru. This follows the loss of two fishermen who were believed to have been swept to their deaths on 1 May 2024.
Council’s Māori Outcomes Manager, Mark Scott, explains how the signs came about and what a rāhui is: “Like all central and local government bodies across the country, Whangarei District Council has a working relationship with the hapū and iwi across Whangārei. Part of this relationship includes raising cultural awareness through the sharing of local narratives and guiding with cultural practices such as rāhui.
“A rāhui is a cultural observance that involves hapū or iwi placing a restriction or prohibition on a specific area or resource, typically implemented to protect the environment or a resource due to overuse or damage.
“An example of this type of rāhui is in Matapōuri Bay, which is supported by the Department of Conservation. The rāhui there was placed over the Rangitapu Headland where an unofficial track was cut out to open access to Te Wai o Te Taniwha, known by the wider public as the ‘Mermaid Pools’.”
Mark says the rāhui placed over Huitau and another placed over the Abbey Caves, in early 2023, are examples of rāhui imposed on an area that has been struck by tragedy where the loss of life has occurred.
Council’s General Manager Infrastructure, Jim Sephton, emphasises the importance of understanding cultural practices like rāhui. He notes, “No one likes to be told ‘don’t go here’ or ‘keep out’ but many people like to discover things they did not previously know about our area.”
“Having access to how hapū and iwi have long occupied the District, managed resources and responded in times of tragedy enriches understanding of the District's history and knowledge, and what makes our District a special place. On that basis, we will continue to work with hapū to better understand matters of cultural significance across our District, to enable safer use of areas.”
One of the first places to get a sign of this type notifying of a rāhui due to the loss of life is the Abbey Caves, now followed by Huitau near Taiharuru. The signs that were erected and the wording were supported by the respective hapū connected to Parihaka and Huitau, telling people of a rāhui in the area.
The sign at Huitau provides notes of cultural significance to the area, and outlines safety concerns as follows:
Huitau, referred to by the wider public as 'The Gap', is known for its unpredictable and hazardous conditions. Strong currents, surges and unpredictable tides pose significant risks to anyone who enters the area. The rocks can be slippery, and the waves can be powerful. For your safety, it is imperative to avoid entering 'The Gap' or undertaking any recreational activities within its vicinity.