Rāhui placed at Wairau Bar

A tūpāpaku was discovered in the water at Wairau Bar on Saturday evening. In recognition of this mate, and to support the whānau pani, a rāhui was placed on Sunday morning by representatives from Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Ngāti Rārua.

The rāhui covers the Wairau River from the Spring Creek bridge to the river mouth, and extends into Cloudy Bay from the diversion mouth south to Te Parinui o Whiti (the White Bluffs). It prohibits the gathering of kai, swimming and entering the water in these areas.

Rangitāne o Wairau Kaiwhakahaere Matua, Corey Hebberd, said the rāhui is a customary practice to uphold tikanga and restore balance to the environment following events such as a death.

“Our first thoughts are with the whānau pani, who are carrying the weight of this loss. The rāhui is about creating a respectful space for them, and also for our awa and moana. In our tikanga, a mate in the water affects the mauri of that place. 

"By placing a rāhui, we acknowledge that wairua, we protect the living from coming into contact with tapu, and we allow time for the environment to return to a state of balance. This is both a mark of respect and an act of care.”

The rāhui is expected to remain in place for five days, unless iwi determine otherwise. It covers Wairau River (Spring Creek Bridge to river mouth) and Cloudy Bay (Diversion to Te Parinui o Whiti).