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October 09, 2025
Waahi Whānau Lead Tuna Pond Restoration in Rāhui Pōkeka
Moeawa Fransen
Posted On October 9, 2025
Download AudioThe Waahi Whānau is leading a new development to help restore their kai rangatira in Rāhui Pōkeka.
Waikato District Council has granted a lease application to develop a kidney-shaped tuna pond, reflecting the area’s history and Chief Te Putu’s rāhui to protect waterways and restore tuna.
The pond will be built behind Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga and next to Lake Waahi, helping revive tuna stocks, improve water quality, and reconnect tamariki and rangatahi with traditional practices.
Dr Rangimarie Mahuta says it’s about protecting the taiao and preserving the tradition of serving tuna to manuhiri.
“From a marae perspective, if we cannot serve tuna puhi or tuna of any sort at our poukai, then, yeah, who are we? Who are we if we can’t serve our kai rangatira, to our manuwhiri? For our tamariki, we’ve deemed it as a priority,” says Mahuta.
Construction is set to begin soon, marking a new chapter in cultural and environmental restoration.
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