06/02/2026
RĀHUI NOTICE
Westshore – The Esplanade
E tangi ana te ngākau mō te mate i pā mai i te rā, i te moana tapu. E mihi ana ki te whānau pani, ki ngā hoa me te hapori e pāngia ana e tēnei aituā.
Our hearts are heavy following the tragic loss of life that occurred today within the sacred moana. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved whānau, friends, and the wider community affected by this tragedy.
As a mark of respect for the life lost, and to protect the spiritual and cultural integrity of the area, a rāhui (temporary closure) has been placed by our kaumātua and the Chair of Mana Ahuriri.
The rāhui is in effect from the Northern Swim Flags at the Westshore Surf Lifesaving Clubrooms to the last house at the Northern end of The Esplanade with a parameter of 100meters back to shore. The rāhui applies to all recreational and commercial activities, including but not limited to:
• Fishing and the taking of kaimoana
• Diving or snorkelling
• Boating, paddling, surfing, and other water-based recreation
• Any form of commercial marine activity within the defined area
The rāhui will be cast by our kaumatua and chair and takes effect immediately 4:00pm Friday 6th February 2026 until 4:00pm Monday 9th February 2026 (3 days) where a lifted whakanoa (cleansing and closure) ceremony will be conducted. A further public notice will confirm when the rāhui is lifted.
Mana Ahuriri asks all members of the public to respect this rāhui as a gesture of compassion for the loss that has occurred, and to uphold the tapu (sacredness) and mauri (life essence) of the moana.
On behalf of the iwi and hapū of Ahuriri
