A rāhui tapu is now officially in place at Rangitapu (the Headland) and Te Wai O Taniwha, Mermaid Pools. Matapouri Mermaid Pools are now officially closed to the public, iwi have announced. Ngatiwai Trust Board posted on its Facebook page on Saturday morning that a rāhui tapu, a cultural closure, had been put in place at the headland and the Mermaid Pools, also known as Te Wai O Taniwha. READ MORE:* Matapouri Mermaid Pools to close indefinitely due to tourists' rubbish* Matapouri Mermaid Pools could be closed to help restore visitor damageThe rāhui, a temporary ritual prohibition, was designed to preserve the cultural, ecological and physical environment. Te Whanau ā Rangiwhakaahu Hapū, led by chairman Aperahama (Abe) Edwards, announced its intention to place a rāhui over the pools on February 14.

Source: Stuff April 20, 2019 00:33 UTC