Ngāi Tūāhuriri places rāhui over customary whitebait season after ongoing abuse
The Ngāi Tūāhuriri hapū has placed a rāhui (prohibition) on the customary whitebait season in Canterbury due to ongoing abuse and safety concerns for their members. The decision aims to protect the integrity of their traditions while they reassess their protocols.
Why it matters
The rāhui highlights the intersection of indigenous customary rights, environmental management, and the challenges of maintaining cultural practices in the face of public non-compliance.
New Zealand whitebait. Photo / Getty Images
Canterbury hapū Ngāi Tūāhuriri has placed a rāhui over its customary whitebait season this year because of continuing abuse.
The hapū said a customary season was established five years ago so elders could fish their rivers safely with their mokopuna, pass on traditions and strengthen their connections to each other and the rivers.
Ngāi Tūāhuriri Tangata Tiaki committee secretary Te Marino Lenihan said the decision to place a rāhui was not taken lightly.
“Unfortunately, we have experienced ongoing abuse and many of our whānau fishers still don’t feel safe,” he said.
“It’s important that we take some time now to reflect on what we have seen and learned over these last five years, consider how we can best respond, and then reset our customary season so that it can better uphold the integrity of our tikanga and mana.”
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