A rāhui has been placed on Lake Rotorua. Photo / Ben Fraser
A rāhui has been placed on Lake Rotorua. Photo / Ben Fraser
A rāhui has been placed on Lake Rotorua after a body was found near Waerenga/Mission Bay.
Police were notified of the body's discovery by a member of the public shortly before midday yesterday.
A karakia was held by Ngāti Rangiwewehi kaumatua to formally place the rāhui on the lake. InMāori culture, a rāhui is a form of tapu restricting access to, or use of, an area or resource.
Ngāti Rangiwewehi, with the support of Te Arawa Lakes Trust, placed the rāhui on the lake for a week.
Police presence at Waerenga/Mission Bay on Lake Rotorua after the discovery of a body on Tuesday. Photo / Ben Fraser
Ngāti Rangiwewehi descendant and trustee for Te Arawa Lakes Trust Te Ururoa Flavell said their condolences were with the whānau pani as they undertook the next steps in grieving for their loved one.
"Nā runga i ngā tikanga, in accordance with our customs we respectfully place the rāhui for a week."
A karakia to lift the rāhui will take place on September 6.
Police cars could be seen on Hamurana Rd, between Hamurana and Mourea, on the northern edge of Lake Rotorua yesterday afternoon.