Kayak business hit by rahui on pond

Pandora Kayaks owner Andy Reid is considering closing his business early after a two-week ban was placed on using the Pandora Pond in Napier. Photo / Duncan Brown

A two-week ban on using the Pandora pond has shut down Pandora Kayaks.

The rahui, issued by Napier claims settlement entity Mana Ahuriri after discussion among kaumatua, said there should be no swimming, waka ama training or similar water sports for the next two weeks, and no gathering of seafood for three months.

It is a traditional Maori mark of respect for the man found dead in the water on Tuesday, and for the area where he was found.

Mana Ahuriri secretary Beverly Kemp-Harmer clarified last night that the area under notice was that of the pond - west of the Pandora Bridge.

She said many people rang yesterday for clarification, worried it may stop other boating around the sailing club marina, in the inner harbour to its entrance, but it doesn't.

"It's just on the pond side of the bridge," she said.

Saying the situation was a "learning curve", she said the rahui notice was issued through Ngati Kahungunu channels, "but I think that was probably it".

Kayak business owner owner Andy Reid was furious he wasn't consulted, and said: "We had to find this out on Facebook - they didn't tell us - which is pretty unrespectful. They told the IronMaori but they didn't give a s**t about us.

"I would respect a couple of days, but two weeks is outrageous.

"No other business would stand for it."

He said if there was a death at Napier Port he doubted it would be closed for two weeks.

Mr Reid was planning to cease trading at the end of April because the Napier City Council would not renew a long-term lease on its building, due to development plans

"Should we just shut up shop now? What is the point of continuing when we can't make any money to pay our bills?"

He said he approached the Hawke's Bay Regional Council about the rahui, which said it wasn't legally binding, but he felt obligated to inform customers about it.

"Who is going to want to go in the water?"

Schools had already cancelled bookings, although Optimist yachting with schools is understood to be resuming on Monday, but outside the area of the rahui.

The business hires kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, windsurfers, surfboards and bicycles.

It employed up to six people at the height of the summer holiday season. Currently two people run it Monday to Friday, with Mr Reid helping on weekends.

Meanwhile, the IronMaori Kaumatua event tomorrow, for the over-55s, has had its swim in the pond replaced by a walk, organiser Heather Skipworth said yesterday.