​Rāhui

From time to time the kaitiaki (guardians) of Ōhiwa Harbour declare rāhui, a temporary restriction or full-scale closure that bans the harvesting of shellfish, fish and any other resources from the harbour. 

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There are two main types of rāhui: Rāhui for conservation purposes seek to protect the kaimoana (marine resources) and allow them to replenish when they are depleted. Several rāhui have been enforced over Ōhiwa Harbour in the past.

 

Rāhui are also declared following an incident, such as a drowning. Rāhui are about respect and protection. Respect for the lost person and their whānau (family). It is also about keeping everyone safe and to show respect for Hine Moana and Tangaroa to give them time to heal and reinvigorate the environment. This type of rāhui bans the take of seafood as well as all recreational water activities.

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Hapū and iwi declare rāhui within their rohe moana (coastal area).

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To find out whether there is a rāhui for Ōhiwa Harbour in place check this website's News page. Alternatively, search the Ko Ngāti Awa Te Toki or Ōpōtiki Community Notices Facebook page. Signage at the boat ramps may be worth checking too.

 

Update 11 November 2024: The Minister for Oceans and Fisheries has imposed a two-year closure over part of the mussel/kuku beds in Ōhiwa Harbour from 13 November 2024 to 12 November 2026.

 

The closure was requested by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa and is called Te rāhui kuku ki tua o Kanawa. The temporary closure area is approximately 0.1 square kilometres, along approximately 650 metres of coastline off the Port Ōhope Reserve and boat ramp at the eastern end of the Ōhope Spit. The closure is pursuant to section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996.

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