January 30, 2026

Ngāti Ranginui Lead with Mana and Care in Mauao Recovery

Dale Husband Posted On January 30, 2026

Dale Husband Ngāti Ranginui Lead with Mana and Care in Mauao Recovery

Ngāti Ranginui Chair Charlie Rahiri says iwi leadership, tikanga, and collective care have been central to the recovery efforts at Mauao, following the devastating landslide that has shaken Tauranga Moana and the wider motu.

Speaking as recovery work continues on the maunga, Rahiri says Ngāti Ranginui, alongside other Tauranga Moana iwi, have worked closely with emergency services during every stage of the response – particularly through the most sensitive and emotional phases.

“Our role has been to ensure the work is done with the utmost respect for the maunga and for those affected,” Rahiri says. “That means supporting emergency services to do what they need to do, while upholding tikanga and protecting the mana of everyone involved.”

He says iwi representatives have been present throughout the operation, helping guide decisions around access, cultural protocols, and the placement of a rāhui to ensure safety and dignity during recovery.

A significant part of the response has been led by Māori Wardens, whose presence Rahiri describes as vital. Wardens have supported crowd management, helped keep people safe, and provided reassurance to whānau and members of the public during an incredibly distressing time.

“They bring calm in moments of high emotion,” Rahiri says. “Their role isn’t just about safety – it’s about manaakitanga. It’s about caring for people who are grieving, confused, or hurting.”

Across Tauranga Moana, Rahiri says the outpouring of grief has been profound. Flowers, messages, and quiet acts of remembrance have marked the loss felt by the community, with many expressing gratitude for iwi leadership during the crisis.

He says the rāhui placed over Mauao has largely been met with understanding and respect, as people recognise the need to give space – both for safety reasons and for collective healing.

“A rāhui is about protection,” Rahiri says. “Protection of people, protection of the maunga, and protection of wairua.”

Rahiri has also responded strongly to claims from some quarters attempting to blame Māori or iwi stewardship for the landslide. He says such rhetoric is not only hurtful but ignores clear expert advice.

“Independent experts have been very clear,” he says. “This was caused by extreme rainfall and deep-seated geological instability – not vegetation, not iwi management, not tikanga.”

He says pointing fingers at Māori in the aftermath of tragedy distracts from the real issues around climate impacts, infrastructure resilience, and collective responsibility.

“This is not the time for division,” Rahiri says. “It’s a time for truth, compassion, and unity.”

As Tauranga Moana continues to grieve and recover, Rahiri says iwi will remain alongside the community – guiding the process with care, tikanga, and aroha for generations to come.