September 06, 2018
Coromandel maunga too tapu to trash
A Hauraki iwi is looking at the closure of Uluru in central Australia as a precedent for what they might like to happen with their sacred maunga.
Ngati Huarere has declared a rahui on Motutere/Castle Rock after two recent deaths on the popular climbing spot.
Spokesperson Wanda Brljevish says the iwi was surprised to learn pins and ropes had been permanently fixed on parts of the climb, which have the potential to degrade in the weather and could lull climbers into a false sense of security.
She says the maunga is privately owned, and like the traditional owners of the landmark formerly known as Ayers Rock, they are concerned at the lack of respect shown by many visitors.
"When we've been up there we've taken bags with us because people are throwing their rubbish around and desecrating the place and it is a tapu area for us," Ms Brljevish says.
Ngati Huarere has had support for its rahui from local agencies and local government.
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