Regarding the deceased person found in the water near Kāpiti Island this week Police say the identification process is complex and is expected to take some time.
“Police acknowledge there is significant interest in this matter, however until the identification process has been completed there is little further comment or detail we can provide.
“Iwi kaitiaki from Ngāti Toa, Te Atiawa ki Kāpiti and Ngāti Raukawa ki Te Tonga conducted a blessing yesterday, and a rāhui has been placed on Kāpiti Island for seven days.
“On behalf of Iwi, Police ask members of the public to respect the rāhui, which prohibits the collection of fish and shellfish around Kāpiti Island during this period.”
NOTICE of Rahui
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira
RĀHUI PLACED ON THE WATERS SURROUNDING KAPITI ISLAND
Me he tāwhaowhao kua rutua ki rāhaki, aue taukiri e!!
On the 25th of January, a body was found several kilometres west of Kāpiti Island. As a result of this, under customary practices Ngāti Toa Rangatira has made the decision to place a rāhui on the waters in the vicinity in and around Kāpiti Island. We respectfully ask that there be no fishing or gathering of kaimoana from the moana from the 25th of January to the 3rd of February.
Our deepest condolences go out to the whānau of the person found at this very difficult time.
