Rāhui

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Rahui
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In

Ministry for Primary Industries. In the Cook Islands, raui (also spelled "rahui") have been put in place by the National Environment Service.[3]


Rāhui may be imposed for many reasons, including a need for conservation of food resources or because the area concerned is in a state of tapu, due, for example, to a recent death in the area, out of respect for the dead and to prevent the gathering of food there for a specified period.

mana of the person or group that imposes it.[5]
: 104 

Most rāhui are set down in law. For example www.rahui.org.nz details a rāhui in place in Maunganui Bay, BOI, and states "Temporary closures in the North Island are established under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996 at the request of local tangata whenua. They can be put in place if the closure will improve the availability and/or size of fisheries resources in the area, or recognise a customary fishing practice in that area."

An area may be set aside for a special purpose or function. Trees may be set aside as a carving resource; or flax bushes for the weaving of a special cloak for a chief. Areas may be placed under rāhui requiring them to be left to lie fallow so that the resources may regenerate.[5]: 105 

The custom of rāhui is still used today, and it has similarities to the bans imposed by the present day legal system on the gathering of food resources for conservation purposes; however Māori often perceive such bans on the gathering of traditional resources such as shellfish and native birds as 'another denial of their customary rights.'[5]: 106 

Rāhui notice at Dove Myer Robinson Park, March 2021.

A sign or physical symbol may be displayed to show that a rāhui has been imposed. Sometimes a carved or decorated wooden stick or post may be placed in the ground. Natural features of the landscape can indicate the boundaries of the area that is under restriction. Additionally, people will be informed about the placing of the rāhui.[5]: 105–106 

The imposing of rāhui by Māori iwi has no official legal standing, and penalties are not formally imposed upon anyone breaking a rāhui,[6] but it is seen as culturally insensitive to do so.[7]

Notable rāhui

Whakaari/White Island following 2019 volcanic eruption

Following the

Whakaari/White Island, in which 20 people were killed, a rāhui was placed on the island restricting access.[8] It was reported that the rāhui was placed on the island following a ceremony which took place at the mouth of the Whakatāne River
at 4am on Tuesday 10 December 2019. The Buttle family, who have owned the island for over 80 years, asked that the rāhui be respected. The rāhui was lifted on Saturday 28 December.

Mataharehare Pa site, Parnell, Auckland City

A rāhui was placed on the site by

Erebus memorial was scheduled to start. This rāhui carries unusual significance given its application is deemed primarily a political act.[9]

References

  1. ^ Royal, Te Ahukaramū Charles (24 September 2007). "Rāhui – prohibitions". Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand. New Zealand Government. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  2. Ministry of Fisheries. 17 September 2002. Archived from the original
    on 25 October 2010. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  3. OCLC 931672644
    .
  4. ^ Rerekura, Eru (4 August 2015). "Iwi puts rāhui in place after death at Tora". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  5. ^
    OCLC 26130392
    .
  6. ^ "Rahui placed over area where body of Dunedin woman Nic Hedley was found". Stuff. 3 May 2017. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  7. New Zealand Herald
    . 14 January 2018. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  8. Māori Television
    . Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  9. NZ Local Government Magazine
    . 22 April 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
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