Ōhiwa Harbour rāhui updated after body found in Ōhope

A cultural rāhui put in place at Ōhiwa Harbour in Ōhope has been lifted after a body was found. Photo / Andrew Warner

A cultural rāhui placed over Ōhiwa Harbour by iwi Ngāti Awa after a man went missing in the water has been lifted today.

A body was found overnight on Saturday at a beach in Ōhope, days after a man jumped into the water. Police have said he was evading arrest at the time, but a family member has disputed this.

Police confirmed on Sunday formal identification of the body was ongoing, but it was “likely” to be “the man who fled police on Christmas Day”, Eastern Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Nicky Cooney said.

Police previously said officers were called to a family harm-related incident involving a 42-year-old man on Wednesday about 6pm.

When authorities arrived, he “ran away and jumped into the harbour”.

A family member told the NZ Herald the man was under arrest but was briefly released so he could “retrieve his fishing net”.

A Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa Facebook post shared by Whakatāne District Council confirmed the Ōhiwa Harbour rāhui was lifted on Monday at 7am.

“Ngāti Awa acknowledges with heavy hearts the recovery of the body of the individual who tragically drowned in the Ōhiwa harbour,” the post said.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with the grieving whānau as they begin their journey of healing and remembrance.

“We extend our gratitude to the community for respecting the rāhui and the cultural protocols during this time.”

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa acknowledged the police and supporting personnel for their “tireless efforts and dedication” in ensuring the recovery of the dead man.

“Their commitment has provided closure for the whānau and brought comfort to the community during this challenging time.

“We once again offer our aroha and support to the bereaved whānau and wish them peace and strength in the days ahead.”

Te Upokorehe rāhui extended

Another tribal group, meanwhile, has extended a rāhui across the entire Ōhiwa Harbour until January 12 to “protect the dignity of the deceased”.

On Te Upokorehe’s Facebook page, kaumātua Wallace Aramoana said the extended rāhui would allow for respectful processes in accordance with the tikanga of te iwi o Te Upokorehe.

During this time, there would be “no fishing and no gathering of shellfish/seafood or other activities in the rāhui area”, the post said.

What is rāhui

Te Aka Māori Dictionary defines rāhui as putting in place a temporary ritual prohibition, closed season, ban or reserve.

“Traditionally a rāhui was placed on an area, resource or stretch of water as a conservation measure or as a means of social and political control for a variety of reasons, which can be grouped into three main categories: pollution by tapu, conservation and politics.

“Death pollutes land, water and people through tapu. A rāhui is a device for separating people from tapu things. After an agreed lapse of time, the rāhui is lifted. A rāhui is marked by a visible sign, such as the erection of a pou rāhui, a post. It is initiated by someone of rank and placed and lifted with appropriate karakia by a tohunga.”