UPDATE: RAHUI IN PLACE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

A rahui was put on the area to protect the distinguished dead that passed away tragically on Whakaari.

It was performed 4am in the morning on the 10th December to ensure that a spiritual pathway for those who had died can return back to the spiritual world through the sacred rocks called Te Paepae o Aotea. These rocks are sacred rocks near Whakaari.

Our Ngati Awa rahui commences from Ohiwa to Whakaari, to Moutohora to Rurima, to Moutohora to Te Awa o Te Atua, to Ohiwa and back to Whakaari.

The length of the rahui under the umbrella of Mataatua is from the Tarawera river to Tihirau. This will be on until the bodies return safely to their whanau.

We need your help to make sure the rahui is upheld to provide spiritual safety for those that are working in the hospitals in Council, Central government, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi and the iwi.This rahui will also support and protect the time when the bodies are uplifted from Whakaari and returned to their families.

Much love and support to all those and what they are doing to the best that can be done for our families.

Pouroto Ngaropo, Ngati Awa
Member of New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM), Justice of the Peace