I ahu mai au i runga i te hau matao e pupuhi ana mai no te tihi o Tongariro, maunga tapu poutokomanawa 

Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro has placed two rāhui following the recent fires across Tongariro.

The first rāhui covers the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and will remain in place for one week, allowing time for the maunga and its pathways to rest and recover.

The second rāhui applies to the burnt areas where the fires have damaged the whenua and native vegetation. This rāhui will remain in place for an extended period to enable the natural regrowth and healing of the land.

Both rāhui were placed at Opotaka following karakia led by Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro kaumātua and whānau, as an expression of our collective responsibility as kaitiaki to protect the mauri of Tongariro and ensure the wellbeing of the environment and all who live beneath it. We ask that all visitors and the wider community respect these rāhui and refrain from entering the affected areas until further notice. 

Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro also acknowledges the ongoing efforts to suppress the fires, which continue to be led by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). Regardless of the rāhui, we recognise and deeply appreciate the mahi being carried out to manage the current situation. We extend our thoughts to all those involved in the response, and we urge everyone to stay safe and to look after one another during this time. 

Finally, it is confirmed that Te Ngaehe Wanikau , representing Te Hau Matao – the hapū Kaumātua Kaunihera, and Te Ngaehe Wanikau (tuarua), representing Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, are the authorised spokespeople for the hapū regarding the rāhui placed at Tongariro following the recent fires. All media or external enquiries should be directed through the official communications channel below.

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