Maori place ban on stream

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No electricity will be generated from the Mangatepopo stream until a rahui, or ban, is lifted by local Maori.

Genesis Energy stopped taking water from the stream yesterday afternoon, immediately after being advised of the rahui and its backing by Tuwharetoa paramount chief Tumu te Heuheu.

The rahui was placed as a sign of respect by the local hapu Ngati Hikairo ki Tongariro and will be lifted after relatives of the victims have attended a blessing at the scene.

Ngati Hikairo trust secretary Tyronne "Bubs" Smith was one of those who placed the rahui immediately after the tragedy.

He praised Genesis Energy's "huge call" in leaving the river at full flow until it was lifted. Water is taken from just near the scene of the tragedy and piped for eventual use in the 240KW Tokaanu power station.

Mr Smith said the rahui applied to the entire stream and relevant organisations such as the Department of Conservation had been advised.

He said, while unenforceable, it applied to "Joe Public" as a sign of repect to the victims' families.