Rāhui placed at Arkles Bay after body discovered in water

Temporary rāhui issued following recovery of body at Arkles Bay

A rāhui has been placed at Arkles Bay after police recovered a body from the water early Saturday morning, July 26, 2025. Law enforcement was alerted to the incident at approximately 6:50 a.m. by a member of the public. Emergency services responded and successfully retrieved the deceased individual from the area.

Authorities are now in the process of identifying the person and investigating the circumstances of their death. As of now, no further details regarding the identity of the deceased or the cause of death have been released by police.


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Ngāti Manuhiri kaumātua Carmen Hetaraka attended the scene around midday to conduct awhakawātea (a cleansing ritual) and formally establish a rāhui. The rāhui is scheduled to take effect at 12:00 p.m. Sunday, July 27, and will remain in place until 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 30.

The rāhui restricts all water-based activities and the collection of fish or shellfish at Arkles Bay during its duration. The iwi has asked the public to respect the cultural significance of the rāhui.

“They requested that people respect the rāhui and do not conduct water activities, or gather fish and shellfish at Arkles Bay during this time,” a police spokesperson said.

The rāhui is a traditional Māori practice, often implemented following a death near or in a natural body of water. It serves both as a mark of respect for the deceased and as a time for spiritual and environmental cleansing.

Local authorities, along with Ngāti Manuhiri representatives, are continuing to monitor the situation and coordinate any necessary cultural protocols in conjunction with the ongoing police investigation.

Further updates regarding the identity of the individual and the circumstances of their death will be provided as new information becomes available.