Rāhui in Place Following Recovery of Woman’s Body

A rāhui is in place following the recovery of a woman whose body was found near Moutohorā Island yesterday.

The 36-year-old woman had entered the water at the Ōtara River mouth and Waioeka River mouth near Ōpōtiki on Sunday, during a police incident.

Police were called to Moutohorā Island, north of Whakatāne, at about quarter past one yesterday afternoon after a member of the public on a recreational vessel spotted a person in the water.

Coastguard Whakatāne volunteers assisted Police with the recovery.

Police have since formally identified the woman, and her death will be referred to the Coroner.

A rāhui extends from Moutohorā Island, to Ōhiwa Spit and out towards Thornton, with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa assisting authorities where needed.

People are being asked to stay out of the water while the rāhui is in place, including no swimming, fishing, gathering kaimoana or recreational water activities.

The community is also being asked to respect the woman’s whānau by not sharing photos, speculating about what happened, or spreading unconfirmed information.

Police said they remain in contact with the woman’s whānau and have thanked partner agencies, search teams and members of the community who helped with the search and recovery.

The recovery operation has also been difficult for volunteer crews, with support being provided to Coastguard Whakatāne members involved.

Police are leading the matter, with the Independent Police Conduct Authority notified as is standard procedure.