A remote section of native forest in the central North Island has just been placed under a rāhui — a traditional form of restriction — effective immediately.
The announcement was made by local iwi on Monday morning, with confirmation from the Department of Conservation (DOC) later the same day.
But what’s striking isn’t the rāhui itself — these are not uncommon in Aotearoa — it’s the fact that no public reason has been given, and no timeframe has been set.
Now, trampers, hunters and nearby residents are left with questions. And silence.
Where is the rāhui?
The rāhui covers a valley system deep within the Kaimanawa Forest Park, not far from a lesser-known section of the Rangitikei River.
The area includes several unofficial tramping routes, an old bivvy site, and at least two hunting access trails used by locals.
As of this week, entry is discouraged, and overnight stays are explicitly forbidden.
New laminated signs have appeared at key access points, reading only:
“Rāhui in place. Entry respectfully discouraged. Please honour tikanga.”
No explanation from iwi or DOC
Traditionally, rāhui are placed for reasons such as death, contamination, ecological protection, or cultural significance. But in this case, iwi have not publicly stated the reason, and DOC has declined to comment further.
“The rāhui is a tikanga-based decision made by mana whenua. We respect that and will not be providing further detail at this time,” said a DOC spokesperson.
Local hapū representatives confirmed the restriction but declined media interviews. When contacted, one kaumātua simply said:
“Some things are not for public discussion. We ask for respect, not curiosity.”
Growing speculation
With no explanation provided, theories are beginning to circulate.
- Some believe a wāhi tapu (sacred site) was discovered by accident — possibly exposed after recent heavy rains and slips.
- Others suggest a rare species — plant or animal — has been sighted, prompting an emergency protection measure.
- A few even claim something more unsettling: trampers reporting “strange echoes” and “disorientation” in the bush near the upper ridge.
One seasoned hunter from Taupō says he and his dogs “refused to go into the gully” during a trip in April — something he says has never happened in 20 years.
No end date, no answers
Unlike rāhui placed after specific incidents, this one has no published end date. DOC has updated digital maps to reflect the closure, but the location remains unmarked in most guidebooks and GPS apps.
There are no plans for a public meeting or consultation.
Locals are respecting the decision — but the absence of information is fuelling quiet unease.
“We’re used to rāhui for loss or recovery,” says Mereana, a teacher in Turangi. “But when no one says why, you start to wonder what they’re really trying to keep out. Or in.”
For now, the valley sleeps — untouched, unseen, and unexplained.
And perhaps, as those who placed the rāhui suggest, that’s exactly how it should remain.
Very strange indeed what are you hiding now?
If this includes the Kaimanawa wall, then it’s possible that prehistory might be an influence on this decision. The speculation of this area as being megalithic builders prior to the arrival of Maori could disrupt the history of New Zealand as a whole nation unexplored and previously inhabited would then be a false narrative.