May 10, 2023
Rahui declared as whanau grieves Whangarei cave death
A Whangarei hapū has declared a rahui on the Abbey Caves where the body of a Whangārei Boys’ High School student was recovered last night.
The Year 11 boy was swept away by floodwaters after he and 14 of his classmates, accompanied by two teachers, went into the caves on an education trip.
Ngati Kahu hapu spokesperson Huhana Lyndon says hapu members went down to the area during the search, and returned about 9.30 pm after the body was found.
She says they spent the evening offering prayers and support to the whanau members and to the emergency services involved in the rescue and search.