A rāhui was placed on Ōhiwa Harbour until further notice as the search continued for a 48-year old man who jumped into the harbour near Ōhope while fleeing police on Christmas eve. The Police National Dive Squad joined the search for the man and LandSAR volunteers conducted shoreline searches. Police were also undertaking air-based searches.
In accordance with Ngāti Awa tikanga, Ngāti Hokopū, with the cultural leadership of their kaumātua, placed a rāhui over the entire area of the harbour. This rāhui is a customary practice that serves to protect the spiritual and physical wellbeing of both people and the environment in the wake of such events.
The rāhui prohibits activities such as fishing, swimming, or other recreational use of the harbour until the area has been deemed culturally and physically appropriate to lift the restrictions. Ngāti Awa acknowledges and supports the cultural guidance of Ngāti Hokopū in upholding their tikanga. (Sources: Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Whakatāne Notice Board, Whakatane Beacon)
