Rāhui Imposed on Taranaki Maunga Following Fatal Incident

A rāhui has been established on Taranaki Maunga following the death of an individual on March 5, 2024. The person was part of a group that had been hiking on the mountain when they became separated. Around 13:00, a member of the group contacted emergency services to report the missing individual. Tragically, authorities confirmed that the person was found deceased shortly after 17:00 the same day.

Te Korowai o Ngāruahione issued a statement on social media expressing their sorrow over the incident. Both Ngāruahine and Taranaki Iwi have come together to impose the rāhui to honour the deceased and to maintain tikanga, or customary practices.

Kaumātua, or respected elders, have placed a rāhui over the affected area, effective immediately. This measure will remain in effect until further notice, ensuring that the tapu, or sacredness, is respected during this time of mourning. The boundaries of the rāhui extend from the Brames Falls track in the west to the Kaūpokonui River.

In their Facebook post, Te Korowai o Ngāruahione called for visitors to the Maunga to respect the rāhui as a way to acknowledge and care for the departed and their whānau, or family.

On March 5, the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter was deployed to assist with the search and recovery efforts. According to base manager Chris Hall, the helicopter dropped members of the alpine search and rescue team off at the site. It took the team five hours to locate the body.

Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions hampered the recovery operation. Hall noted that the area experienced cloudy skies, strong winds, and drizzly rain, making it too turbulent for the helicopter to winch the body off the mountain.

The police announced on March 6 that the public should anticipate a visible presence in the area as Land Search and Rescue continued their efforts to retrieve the body. Authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of both the recovery team and the public during this difficult period.

As the community mourns the loss, the rāhui serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of respect for both the deceased and the sacred land of Taranaki Maunga.