Mount Maunganui rāhui in place for one week following man’s death

The incident happened on a stretch of beach from Mount Maunganui to Omanu. Photo/ NZME

A rāhui in place at a Mount Maunganui beach following a man’s death is expected to last for a week.

Police and other emergency services were called to the beach about 6.10pm after reports that a man had been pulled from the water unconscious.

Despite resuscitation efforts, rel="" title="https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/375011-man-dies-at-mount-maunganui-beach.html">the man died at the scene, police said.

The death is expected to be referred to the coroner.

In a statement issued this week by the Ngāi Tūkairangi Hapū Trust, chairperson Riri Ellis said that kaumatua gathered on the beach opposite Hart St, Mount Maunganui, shortly after dawn on Thursday morning where karakia were recited and the rāhui was imposed.

It extends from the ocean opposite Clyde St on the western side through to the ocean opposite the Marine Parade-Tweed St roundabout on the eastern side.

Gathering of shellfish and kaimoana from within this area is forbidden and all water sports and other water activities are discouraged during the restricted period.

Ellis said it would be in place for one week and would be reviewed at the end of that period.

The International Surf Rescue Challenge event being hosted by Surf Lifesaving New Zealand involving 11 countries from around the world was not affected by the rāhui as it was being run at the main beach and well outside the area.

Ellis said Surf Lifesaving New Zealand and Ngāi Tūkairangi have been in regular contact in the period leading up to the event and following the news of Wednesday’s death.

Although the Surf Rescue Challenge event was outside the rāhui area Ngāi Tūkairangi kaumatua also gathered at main beach early on Thursday morning and recited karakia to clear the way for the event and for the spiritual and physical safety of competitors and spectators, Ellis said.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the whānau of the deceased, and our thanks and appreciation to all those involved in the rescue and response efforts, and to the wider community during this difficult time.

“Please take care around the water at this time. Conditions are rough and unpredictable. Keep safe and look out for one another.”