In a media release on Tuesday (December 9) afternoon Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro acknowledged the impact of the new fire within Tongariro National Park, and “the continued strain this places on our whenua, our taiao, and our people.
“As mana whenua and kaitiaki of Tongariro, it is our responsibility to respond in a way that upholds the mauri of the land and ensures its healing for generations to come.”
The release confirmed a new rāhui over the latest burn area, effective immediately, to be formally incorporated into the existing Rāhui Whakaora, which was established following last month’s fire.
“By linking the two areas, the entire landscape affected by both events will now sit within a unified 10-year rāhui, protecting the whenua while natural regeneration begins and long-term restoration planning continues.
“This decision has been made in close discussion with our kaumātua, Te Hau Matao, and with the support of our hapū. It reflects both our deep cultural obligations and the clear environmental need to restrict access, limit disturbance, and allow the maunga and its ecosystems the time they require to recover.”
The iwi continued to work alongside Fire and Emergency, DOC, Police, and other agencies responding to the fire.
“We acknowledge their efforts and the care they have shown for our whenua and waahi tapu.
We ask the public, visitors, and all those who love Tongariro to uphold and respect this rāhui. It is a protective measure – not just for the land, but for the wellbeing of our community and for the safety of those responding on the ground and in the air.”
