Published: 25 July, 2025
Media Release: Te Tauihu Rāhui to Be Partially Lifted
Te Tauihu Rāhui to Be Partially Lifted
Waitohi, Tōtaranui, Kura Te Au, Te Moana o Raukawawa | July 25, 2025
As kaitiaki of our coastal waters and taonga species, Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui announces the lifting of the rāhui across sections of Tōtaranui (Queen Charlotte Sound), Kura Te Au (Tory Channel), and Te Moana o Raukawakawa (Cook Strait), effective immediately. A rāhui remains in place across wider Te Tauihu for local hapū and iwi to make decisions on their areas as needed, to protect our people and our coastal ecosystems.
A rāhui is a traditional Māori restriction placed to safeguard natural resources and community wellbeing. It prohibits activities such as collecting kaimoana (seafood) or swimming after environmental events like flooding. This rāhui was established on 28 June 2025 by the Iwi Emergency Management Rōpū, operating under the Emergency Operations Centre in Nelson/Tasman and Marlborough, with the support of the eight iwi of Te Tauihu: Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama ki Te Tau Ihu, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, and Rangitāne o Wairau.
The rāhui covers coastlines, river mouths, and flood-affected waters stretching from Te Parinui o Whiti (White Bluffs) to Kahurangi Point, in response to storms that began on 26 June and triggered a regional state of emergency. Rainfall caused widespread flooding, landslides, and contamination, posing health risks and affecting the wellbeing of marine life.
When the rāhui was established, the Iwi Emergency Management Rōpū stated:
“This rāhui is about protecting our environment and keeping our people safe from the risks of contaminated waters and unstable areas following these devastating storms.”
This partial lifting follows environmental monitoring, cultural health and local mātauranga assessments, and engagement with iwi kaitiaki, technical experts, and local partners. These evaluations confirm improved conditions in the specified areas, allowing for a cautious reopening.
Justin Carter, CEO of Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui Trust, said: “The rāhui has helped protect both our moana and our people. We want to acknowledge those that stuck with it through some tough weeks during this time of restoration. This partial lifting is a positive step, but we need to remain cautious. We still have a job to do as kaitiaki to make sure the environment recovers properly.”
We know this has been a difficult time for many whānau across Te Tauihu with homes flooded, work disrupted, and a great deal of emotional strain.
Some areas are still affected by contamination or unstable conditions, so restrictions remain in place to help keep people safe.
Jim Skipper, Kaitiaki and Kaumātua of Te Ātiawa, added: “The rāhui was laid to uphold the mauri of our moana and to keep all of our people safe. It’s not just a response to the weather, it’s a tikanga that reflects our role as kaitiaki. Some areas can now reopen, but our responsibility remains, to keep caring for these waters, so they continue to sustain our mokopuna and wider community, as they have sustained us.”
Te Whatu Ora – Nelson Marlborough issued updated guidance on 24 July 2025, advising people not to collect recreational wild shellfish for at least 28 days after significant rainfall. This includes mussels, oysters, pipi, and other bivalves, which may carry a higher risk of contamination during this period. Finfish, crayfish, and pāua are not affected by this advice and may still be collected safely. These precautions are in place to protect public health and the wellbeing of our whānau.
We want to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone for respecting the rāhui. Your support has made a real difference in helping our moana recover and in keeping our communities strong.
Some areas are still affected by contamination or unstable conditions, so restrictions will remain in place and continue to be monitored, ensuring te taiao has time to rebalance itself and to keep people safe.
‘Kura rāhuitia te moana, ka ora te moana, ka ora te tangata’