One dead after water-related incident in Wairoa River, Bay of Plenty swimming hole

One person has died at a popular Bay of Plenty swimming hole and a rāhui has been placed on the area.

Emergency services responded to a “water-related incident” in the Wairoa River near Poripori Rd, Lower Kaimai, about 6.15pm Wednesday.

Police this morning said a person was pulled unresponsive from the water. First aid was started but the person died at the scene.

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

The Herald understands the incident took place near the widely-known freshwater Pori Pori swimming hole – a hotspot for locals and visitors of the Bay of Plenty during summer.

The swimming hole is surrounded by rocks and forest and contains multiple small, shallow rock pools for swimming and exploring.

The swimming hole itself is deep and visitors often jump into it off high rocks.

A Ngāti Hangarau spokesperson said a rāhui had been put in place by their kaumatua for two weeks effective from today and a karakia was done at the site.

In Māori culture, a rāhui is a form of tapu restricting access to, or use of, an area or resource by the kaitiakitanga of the area.