4-week rāhui on Medlands beach south

Mana whenua of Aotea have placed a rāhui on the south side of Medlands beach (Oruawharo Bay), following the tragic death of Levi.

"This is done out of respect and aroha for the whānau and for us all." Aotea, Great Barrier Island, hau kāinga kaumātua taumata representative Syd Davies said Friday.

The rāhui encompasses 50 meters either side of the incident point, and is effective immediately.

It stretches from the high tide mark to the rear of the sand dunes.

The rāhui applies to the land and does not extend to the water itself and people are still permitted to walk past and access the water below the high tide mark.

"E te taonga kua wheturangitia, moe mai, moe mai rā ki te pae aroha ō ōu tūpuna" Davies wrote.

"Precious treasure who has become a star, rest, rest in the realm of love of your ancestors."

The area will remain tapu (sacred) and off limits for a period of four weeks.

Above: The rāhui encompasses 50 meters either side of the incident point, and is effective immediately.

It stretches from the high tide mark to the rear of the sand dunes.