Department of Conservation & Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro Pānui - Rāhui Tongariro Alpine Crossing

2nd October 2018

HE RĀHUI

He aitua! He aitua!

Ka papaki te tai o te atarau, ka huri aku kamo ki te tihi o Tongariro ki ngā hīhī o te rā e piata mai ana. Aue, taukuri e!

It is with sadness that Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, Ngāti Tuwharetoa acknowledge the fatality on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing today.

A rāhui has been placed on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and will be lifted at sunrise on Saturday 6th of October 2018. This rāhui is supported by the Department of Conservation, NZ Police and LandSAR.

A rāhui (physical and spiritual protection mechanism) is a tool to manage human activity around a site where there has been loss of life. It sets a temporary prohibition around the rāhui area and limits access for that period. By placing a rāhui over the area it:

· acknowledges the death and is a way to express our sympathy to the whānau of the deceased;

· ensures that safety mechanisms are in place; and

· provides time for tapu (sacredness) to dissipate following the death.

This provides time for healing and recovery of the natural elements at place and people, in particular the grieving whānau.

To show respect, all climbers and trampers are notified that the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is closed. Therefore, consider alternative hikes during the rāhui.

ENDS

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