Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga has reviewed and updated the rāhui on the Urenui Awa (previously extending from Okoki Pā (Te Rangi Hiroa/Sir Peter Buck Memorial) to the river mouth).
The Rūnanga has resolved to reduce the rāhui placed on the Urenui awa to align with the current Te Whatu Ora public health advice. This considered decision allows for the reconnection of cultural relationships with the awa balanced with the health and safety of the entire community and maintaining the cultural significance of the rāhui.
We encourage whānau to respect the rāhui and follow the three Public Health recommendations:
- avoid swimming in the river after heavy rain, when the river water may become contaminated with run-off,
- avoid collecting kai mātaitai from the river, as shellfish can concentrate and store any bacteria and viruses present in the water, and
- stay off the mudflats below the township