King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII has announced that a rāhui has been placed on the Waikato, Waipā rivers along with waterways in the Waikato region.
He said, "For many people here in Waikato, our rivers and waterways are a source of spiritual uplifting. During these trying times, they need to rejuvenate as well.
"I am placing a raahui on the Waikato, Waipaa rivers and our waterways so they can rejuvenate and remain a source of inspiration for our collective wairua. I ask all Marae and kaumaatua near our rivers to please enact this raahui."
KING ANNOUNCES RAAHUI ON WAIKATO AND WAIPAA RIVERS 26.04.2020KING ANNOUNCES RAAHUI ON WAIKATO AND WAIPAA RIVERS
“Kaua e aroha mai ki a ahau, me aroha koutou ki a koutou. Ki te aroha koutou ki a koutou, e aroha tahi mai ana ki a ahau!"
E ngaa hoa aroha. E ngaa rangatira o te motu, te ao whaanui. Teenaa koutou.
Thank you all for your aroha shared for my birthday. As many of you know, I share my birthday with my granddaughter. I enjoyed a small celebration with those in my bubble.
Yesterday was the day for the Tainui-aa-Whiro Poukai, a day set aside to remember my Grandmother. Although we cannot gather in person, I still hold each Poukai day in my heart. Yesterday was also ANZAC Day, another day of remembrance. We still remember all our tuupuna.
Every week I receive good updates from many agencies. This week I want to congradulate all Maaori – if you have flu-like symptoms, or live near a voluntary testing station, please get tested for Covid-19. There are many gaps in the data for Te Iwi Maaori. If we work together and each do our part, we can change that. Don’t be afraid: Kia manawanui, kia rangimaarie i ngaa waa katoa.
The Government has declared we are on the verge of a change of status in alert levels.
Te Iwi Maaori we must make decisions that are the best for us. We need to remain, as much as possible, at the highest level. I support all hapuu and iwi doing what is right for them, kia uu ki too Mana Motuhake. Together let’s do what is good for our people.
For many people here in Waikato, our rivers and waterways are a source of spiritual uplifting. During these trying times they need to rejuvenate as well. I am placing a raahui on the Waikato, Waipaa rivers and our waterways so they can rejuvenate and remain a source of inspiration for our collective wairua. I ask all Marae and kaumaatua near our rivers to please enact this raahui. I will advise again when it is lifted.
As more whaanau return to work and some tamariki begin returning to school we need to continue to be on high alert. Do not become complacent. Covid-19 has not left our shores. Therefore, we must be vigilant no matter what level we are at.
Continue to be the best you can be. Stay home as much as you can, protect your bubble, wash your hands regularly and always be kind.
Paimaarire.
Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero Vll
Posted by Kiingitanga on Sunday, April 26, 2020
The means that no recreational activity like swimming and other recreational sports should take place in these waterways during the rāhui.
He also encouraged Te Iwi Māori to continue to make decisions that are best for Māori.
King Tūheitia says, "I support all hapū and iwi doing what is right for them - Kia ū ki tō mana motuhake, together let's do what is good for our people."
This rāhui will stay in effect until lifted by King Tūheitia.
